By Gu Jianjun, post doctor of Research Department in Development Strategy of the World, Central Compilation and Translation Bureau

On May 12, 2016, a publicity event was held for the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" at the Ivor Alex Sauceda bookstore in Athens, capital of Greece. Greece is an important link to promote Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership.

The release of Xi's book in Greece has far-reaching significance that helps Greek readers better understand China, so they can promote friendly bilateral exchanges in the fields of publishing, culture, sports, tourism, and develop sustainable cooperation on cultural industries combined with trade and investment.

"Xi's book expounds on Beijing's development philosophy, development road, domestic and foreign policies; via a new strategy of thoughts on the governance of the Chinese leaders' group.

The book serves as an important window for the international community to understand contemporary China, which had been written in a fresh and simple language with vivid stories reflecting the Chinese leaders' plain, natural, honest and humble style.

The book was co-edited by the State Council Information Office, Party Literature Research Office of the CPC Central Committee and China International Publishing Group.

In September 2014, the Foreign Languages Press had released it to the world in Chinese, English, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese and other multi-languages. On October 8, 2014, the book launch of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (multi-lingual versions) was held at the  Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany.

German Sinologist Ingo Nentwig said the book was released at the right time. Many foreigners are confused about how Chinese leaders govern, and they have not found a satisfactory answer so far. However, Xi's book can answer their question.

The book publisher has held ceremonies for the book release, as well as seminars in France, Russia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, the Czech Republic and elsewhere.

The book has appeared in many global major international book fairs, such as the London Book Fair, BookExpo America and Frankfurt Book Fair, receiving a warm response from the international book market, global media outlets and the international community.

Many Current or former politicians and experts, who observe China, have published book reviews praising the book. Important media outlets from around the world have published more than 400 reports to recommend or comment on the book.

Xi's book holds magic attractions for overseas readers, who have visited publicity events at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, Pragati Maiden International Exhibition Centre in New Delhi, Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London, the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Up to December 2014, the book has sold over 2.4 million copies around the world. The number had reached 4.5 million in May 2015, 5.3 million in September 2015. In March 2016, the book has sold more than 5.4 million copies, becoming one of the world's most popular Chinese books in international book markets.

The book has been sold in more than 100 countries and regions with 5.5 million copies sold, as of May 2016, setting a sales record at home and abroad for Chinese leaders' works since the reform and opening-up.

Many other books including Zhijiang Xin Yu, Up and Out of Poverty—Selected Speeches of Xi Jinping in Fujian （1988-1990），Xi Jinping Wit and Vision: Selected Quotations and Commentary have also received a warm welcome from  readers, which have often been sold out at Book Fairs. Xi's books can guide more foreign readers to understand the development and changes in China.

Gu Jianjun, post doctor of Research Department in Development Strategy of the World, Central Compilation and Translation Bureau

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

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