A number of Chinese children's books displayed at the ongoing Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) have secured overseas copyright trading agreements, with innovative reading and publishing formats of original works attracting international market attention.
Amid bustling crowds and 220,000 titles on display at the 31st BIBF, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, Chinese children's books are drawing attention from participating publishers from across the world.
China boasts the world's largest children's book market. Domestically, children's books make up over 28 percent of the total list price, the biggest share among all categories.
Recent surveys show that in 2024, the book reading rate among Chinese minors aged 0 to 17 reached 86.6 percent, with an average of 11.65 books read per child.
Many Chinese publishers said now they work with global readers in mind, as they stay committed to serving as a cultural bridge facilitating more outstanding Chinese works to reach global audiences.
Picture books on Chinese classics such as "Journey to the West" and "Classic of Mountains and Seas" have been published in multiple languages, offering readers a glimpse into Chinese culture through a child-friendly lens.
Meanwhile, audiobooks becoming increasingly favored by global readers.
"The audio book of our 'The Village Has Changed' has reached Tunisia and Arabic-speaking regions. Some renowned international publishing groups have seen audiobooks and e-books account for 60 percent of their revenue, indicating a trend towards the international market for audiobooks," said Wang Yongbo, head of Jiangsu Juvenile and Children's Publishing House.
Jieli Publishing House, a pioneer in exporting children's books, has secured copyright cooperation agreements for over 100 titles with ASEAN and South Asian countries.
The publisher has facilitated the publication of more than 70 original children's works in foreign languages through cooperation programs among other initiatives.
Additionally, the fair has introduced a new exhibition area dedicated to traditional Chinese cultural IPs - showcasing stories such as "Ne Zha," "Investiture of the Gods," and "Dunhuang" - highlighting the integration of books with film and animation for broader dissemination.
"The publishing industry is increasingly focused on integration and expansion, with IP development being a crucial future direction. It's important to help more readers, and particularly children, understand traditional Chinese culture, thereby allowing the world to engage with China's rich heritage," said Li Wenbo, head of Tomorrow Publishing House.
Chinese children's books attract international publishers
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
