World’s biggest book fair gets Chinese imprint

Chinese writers, publishers and artists backed by Beijing and others were set to mark the world’s largest book fair with hundreds of stories from the most populous nation on earth.

The guest of honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s 61st edition made its mark with debate over freedom of expression even before the giant trade show began but opening ceremonies focused on China’s cultural roots and growing global role.

Gottfried Honnefelder, president of the German publishers and booksellers association which organizes the fair, hailed ‘the birthplace of print and paper.’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an inaugural address that “in recent years, China’s political and economic weight has increased considerably.

“As a result, so has its global responsibility... in terms of political and economic freedom and freedom of expression.”

Merkel grew up in former communist eastern Germany and recalled how she had hoped western visitors would bring books when she was young.

“Books make a difference, a difference that threatens dictatorships and bolsters democracies,” she said.

Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping, who some see as the country’s next president, called meanwhile for “global harmony and promotion of peace and prosperity.” He did urge visitors however to “adopt an open attitude of mutual respect.”

A flap sparked by the invitation of Chinese dissidents to a pre-fair symposium in September had ruffled the feathers of China’s ambassador to Berlin, but the book fair is used to controversy. During the opening ceremony, two women also brandished placards in support of imprisoned Chinese intellectuals Liu Xaobo and Tan Zuoren, but remained peaceful and were not ejected.

Security wherever Chinese officials gathered was strong and fair director Juergen Boos told media: “China fascinates and irritates us, and we accept that challenge.”

AFP