Participants pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony of Overseas Spread of Chinese Literature in the Past Century in Beijing on June 18.

The Overseas Spread of Chinese Literature in the Past Century was launched in Beijing, capital of China, on June 18, during the 31st Beijing International Book Fair.

Edited by scholar Wang Yao, the book brings together over 40 authoritative experts and took more than 10 years to complete. Comprising five volumes and six books totaling nearly 3 million words, the book systematically examines the translation and spread of Chinese literature in the English, French, German, Japanese, and Russian-speaking worlds since the May Fourth Movement in 1919.

Overseas Spread of Chinese Literature in the Past Century.

In his address, Zhang Chaoyang, chairman of Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, said that Chinese literature is an important part of Chinese civilization, and its overseas spread reflects China's growing soft power. Overseas Spread of Chinese Literature in the Past Century not only holds academic value but also contemporary significance. The publication is a testament to PPMG's commitment to high-quality publishing and the international spread of Chinese culture.

Experts and scholars attending the event shared their perspectives on the translation and spread of Chinese literature overseas, as well as the relationship between Chinese literature and world literature.

Wu Yiqin, vice-chairman of the China Writers Association, acknowledged the book's academic value and the significance of its publication, praising it as insightful and helpful for literary exchanges.

Professor Yan Lianke from the School of Literature at Renmin University of China said that only Chinese writers truly understand the challenges of promoting Chinese literature overseas. There is a need for a group of researchers to clarify the paths of Chinese literature's overseas spread, providing theoretical support for the further spread.