Among the 160,000 titles on display at a recently launched e-library, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume III is one of the most searched for. 

The virtual library aims to provide a new platform for international publishing businesses to display their books and continue cooperation, said Du Zhanyuan, President of China International Publishing Group (CIPG), which initiated the program. "It also provides a new channel for international readers to know about diverse cultures and enhance mutual understanding," he said. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a severe challenge for the global publishing industry, shown by the cancellation or postponement of major international book fairs and problems in logistics. 

Responding to that, CIPG inaugurated the virtual library on July 24, with a call for solidarity in the industry to tide over difficulties. 

The new online library has attracted publishers from 25 countries and regions exhibiting books in 33 languages. 

After two earlier volumes that became bestsellers, the third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, which came out in June in Chinese and English, has pride of place at the e-library. 

Window on China 

Published by the Beijing-based Foreign Languages Press, a subsidiary of CIPG, the third volume is a collection of 92 articles, speeches, conversations, instructions and letters by President Xi Jinping between October 18, 2017 and January 13, 2020. In 19 sections it discusses topics ranging from national governance and China’s all-round opening up to a global community of shared future. 

Since taking office as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in 2012, Xi has put forward many new ideas based on his experience in state governance, which form Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. 

His thoughts play a significant role in promoting the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, as well as world peace and progress. 

"I read the book with keen interest as it expounds China's development philosophy and reveals the political aspirations, the concept of governance and great plans of Xi," former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said, pointing out that the most common word in the volume is innovation. 

A loyal reader of the series, Raffarin said the book offers an opportunity for the international community to learn about China. 

The first two volumes, published in 2014 and 2017 respectively, have been distributed in more than 160 countries and regions, Du said at a recent symposium in Beijing. 

Over the past six years, CIPG has worked with publishers in 39 countries to launch foreign-language editions for local readers. It has not only showcased the volumes at major international book fairs but also held events such as seminars to introduce them to more readers overseas.