Book by China's leader gets ceremonial launch in Ankara

By Dilara Zengin and Bahattin Gonultas

ANKARA

The Turkish-language edition of a book by China’s president was released Monday with a ceremony here that was attended by top officials from both countries.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong said that the book, which has already been translated into 17 languages, contains extensive selections from President Xi Jinping’s speeches, talks, interviews, and correspondence in 2012-2014.

There are more than 6.2 million copies of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in print worldwide, according to Liu.

”This [Turkish version] is an important token of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," she said.

She stressed that the book will play a vital role in answering the international community’s questions about China and its development.

Commenting on Turkish-Chinese relations, Liu said the two countries are important members of the G20 and emerging economies.

"The friendship between China and Turkey has a long history," she said.

Turkish-Chinese ties

For his part, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said relations between Turkey and China would grow stronger in the years to come with high-level visits and consultation mechanisms.

"China’s President Xi Jinping’s book, The Governance of China, will be beneficial for understanding of China’s political attitude and approaches," he said.

He says the book aims to inform the world about the Chinese government’s philosophy and domestic and foreign policy.

"In the book, President Xi makes new emphases, explanations, and formulations for foreign policy, development, and administration principles,” Simsek explained.

China’s place is expanding in world politics and economics, Simsek argued.

“No one expected that China would embrace globalization in a period when protectionism is at the forefront," he added. "However, China showed that it is visionary."

According to Simsek, the concept of “China’s dream” and Turkey’s centennial “2023 vision” coincide with each other.

“The common point of both visions is the belief in coexistence in peace, and development. The efforts of Turkey and China are significant not only for the countries but also regional and global welfare and stability," Simsek added.

The book contains information about China’s rapid development as well as Xi’s strong beliefs, affection for people, sense of humanism and his global vision.