This year's London Book Fair was the start of a new chapter for the "going out" of China's publishing industry.

As the fair's country of honor, China sent more than 180 publishers to attend the event, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Chinese publishing and opening a window on the country today.

China believes that it is important for people in other countries to take a closer look at Chinese culture to gain a better understanding of its continuing evolution.

More than 50 Chinese writers also attended the book fair, participating in talks and offering their views on topics such as maintaining national characteristics in a global context and the role of literature in social progress and development.

In all, a total of 300 activities were held revealing a vibrant and evolving China. These included the first China-UK forum on investment in the publishing industry, and 11 high-end dialogues discussing the interaction of publishing and socio-economic and cultural development.

China has been the guest of honor at six previous international book fairs, but being Guest of Honor at the London Book Fair shows the "going out" strategy of China's publishing industry is speeding up, as the fair is one of the world's most important events for the business of books and the global marketplace for book rights and the distribution of content in different media.

By participating in the fair, China's publishers further strengthened ties with their international counterparts, which will help promote the development and prosperity of China's cultural undertakings.

Culture is one of China's five pillars of growth, and as Wu Shulin, deputy director of the China Administration of Press and Publications, said the fair was a chance to show the soul of Chinese culture and build a cultural bridge with the West.

China's involvement proved the significant improvement of its international status and continued expansion of its cultural influence.

(China Daily 04/20/2012 page8)