Two publishing professionals swap ideas at a Chinese publisher's booth. [Photo by Mei Jia/China Daily]

"BEA has never seen anything in scale like this," said Steve Rosato, the event manager.

Chen Yingming, head of the Chinese delegation, said China's appearance showcased its development in publishing to US counterparts and "revealed the publishers' resolution and confidence in stepping up their efforts to attract more global appeal".

Besides some 10,000 new titles on show, tens of Chinese titles in English were launched, featuring Chinese development, victory in the world anti-Fascist war, Chinese literature and art. President Xi Jinping's book The Governance of China drew attention with a symposium held centered on the volume.

Chinese books, for the first time, gained an important foothold at the US' celebrated Barnes and Noble bookstore where they were presented in a special area.

Besides cultural exhibitions in New York, including a photo show at the United Nations headquarters, established Chinese writers were involved in exchanges and meeting readers.

"I first landed in New York some 17 years ago. This time I feel things are different: Chinese writers are fully respected and we see our influence here," said celebrated reportage writer He Jianming, adding that during exchanges with local students, each of the eight Chinese writers took two-three questions from their audience.