A wealth of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted the 2026 Beijing Book Fair, which concluded on Saturday, creating an immersive and interactive reading experience and bringing economic gains for publishers.
At the exhibition, the Children's Publishing Division of the Publishing House of Electronics Industry launched its first AI-powered reading and interactive platform.
The platform pioneers a multi-modal reading experience combining text, audio, and interactive guidance, transforming online reading from simple e-book browsing into an immersive digital interaction tailored to the cognitive habits of children across different age groups.
"For AI-generated audio and video, the publishers previously relied more on manual production methods. Now, with the advent of the AI era, we can significantly reduce production time and costs. This allows for deeper exploration of a book's content, enabling AI to present it through enhanced interactive methods," said Li Jian, an exhibitor.
Publications are continuously integrating new technologies to enrich the reading experience.
For publishing institutions, books can also generate new revenue streams through data conversion and transactions.
Additionally, integrated one-stop services for the book publishing supply chain covering printing, warehousing, logistics, new media marketing, and information services, aim to reduce operational costs for publishing institutions while enhancing economic benefits and market competitiveness.
"Traditionally, our publishing house invested significant efforts in coordinating with printing plants, warehouses, and information providers. Going forward, through this integration, we'll achieve a comprehensive intelligent digital supply chain to facilitate publishers' digital transformation," said Luo Min, an exhibitor.
The 2026 Beijing Book Fair kicked off on Thursday, with over 400,000 titles on display. This year's edition features more than 10 themed zones as well as an exhibition area for various cultural products.
More digital techs like AI highlight 2026 Beijing Book Fair
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
