On November 6, the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and the Reader's Digest Association, Inc. held a reception to celebrate a long-term book publishing initiative in Washington, D.C. Mr. Yang Jiechi, the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Sun Yong, Director of the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and Mr. Thomas O. Ryder, Chairman and CEO of the Reader's Digest Association, attended the reception.

Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Yang said: "In recent years, the overall China-U.S. relations keep improving. The cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries are an important part of our bilateral relationship and provide a lasting impetus to push this relationship forward. The launch of this publishing venture on the Chinese culture by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and the Reader's Digest Association is a pioneering undertaking in the cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, and it is of far-reaching significance in carrying forward the Chinese culture and promoting the mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.'' He wished great success for this book publishing project.

Both Mr. Sun and Mr. Ryder were pleased to enter into a long-term agreement in bringing the works of leading Chinese authors, illustrators and photographers to American readers. They believe that these books will provide a window into a rich treasure trove of Chinese history, culture and literature, including authors and photographic images never before available to the U.S. audience.

At the reception, the two partners introduced the first books from their venture entitled Beautiful Xiangxi, Wonderful Xinjiang and Treasures of China. These books are on sale in leading U.S. bookstores and online. Besides, additional titles will be published on a continuing basis beginning in Spring 2005.