China signs agreement on classical literature translation with over 50 countries

The 2017 Sino-Foreign Literature Translation and Publishing Workshop opened in Beijing on Aug 21.[Photo/Xinhua]

The 2017 Sino-Foreign Literature Translation and Publishing Workshop, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT), and the China Writers Association, opened in Beijing on Aug 21. At the opening ceremony, it was announced that China has signed agreements with more than 50 countries on translating each other’s classical works.

Around 50 writers, translators, and publishers from the United States, Canada, Romania, New Zealand and 30 other countries will take part in the eight-day event for face-to-face communication with their Chinese counterparts.

“Cooperation in classical literature translation is a significant part of cultural exchanges under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.” said Zhu Qi, deputy director of Bureau for External Cultural Relations under the Ministry of Culture. “In the past two years, over 100 translators from more than 50 countries have deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and developed mutually beneficial partnerships through the workshop.”

According to Zhao Haiyun, deputy director of SAPPRFT’s Department of Import Administration, China now imports and exports about 25,000 books each year. Even though the government has strengthened its support for the translation and export of Chinese literature, the industry is still in its infancy. Professionals who are both proficient in translation and familiar with foreign readers’ preferences are urgently needed to help more Chinese literature go global.