Wu Shangzhi, vice minister of the State Administration of Press, Publications, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), addresses the launch ceremony at the booth of the China International Publishing Group at BookExpo America on May 28, 2015. [Photo by Yan Pei/China.org.cn]

The English edition of "China Today: Understanding the CPC" series was launched at the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) booth at BookExpo America（BEA）on May 28.

At the event, Wu Shangzhi, vice minister of the State Administration of Press, Publications, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), said that the key to understanding the real China is to understand the Communist Party of China (CPC). "This series of books exemplifies the CPC's principle that it was founded for the public good and it exercises state power for the people, revealing the CPC's resolution and aspiration to make China strong and prosperous. The books describe the CPC's vitality to reform and innovate as required by the times. They depict the CPC's strategic blueprint of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, comprehensively implementing the rule of law and comprehensively strengthening Party discipline, and introduce the prospect of the CPC leading the Chinese people in realizing the Chinese Dream -- the great renewal of the Chinese nation," Wu said.

President Zhao Fan of the Party Building Books Publishing House described the editing of the books, the publishing process and the sales of the Chinese versions. After talking about the three series of books in the "China Today" collection, he said: "Books bridge cultures and promote exchanges. I hope that the "China Today" books will become a platform for China to increase communication with the rest of the world, helping overseas readers better understand China, the CPC and the governing strategies of President Xi Jinping."

Chinese Consul-general in New York Zhang Qiyue said he hoped that the "China Today: Understanding the CPC" series could give readers a real image of today's China and the CPC's policy, and thereby enhance the mutual understanding and communications between the peoples of China and the United States.

CIPG Vice President Fang Zhenghui summarized the translation and publication process of the English edition. He said that as a response to the concerns of both domestic and foreign readers, the series was a comprehensive interpretation of the CPC's policies since its 18th National Congress. He said: "We are happy and honored to be part of the publication of such a series of books. We also look forward to cooperating with other parties, in order to better present the CPC and China to more readers around the world."

China expert Dr. Robert Lawrence Kuhn wrote an introduction for the English edition. He spoke highly of the publication. "These books are the CPC explaining the CPC," he wrote. He said that the series provides a clear and comprehensive description of the CPC, presenting to readers an explanation of "the CPC's philosophies and policies, organization and governance, vision and challenges."

"Understanding the CPC" is the first of three series of books in the "China Today" collection to be launched. It gives an accurate description of the domestic and foreign policies of the CPC in response to concerns from the international community. The series provides simple and easy reading for foreign readers, and therefore has been well received. It will contribute to correcting misunderstandings and reducing prejudices in global public opinion toward China.

Former CIPG Vice President Huang Youyi presided over the event. Around a hundred representatives from the media, publishing houses and the education industry attended the launch ceremony.

At the event, Zhao Fan, Fang Zhenghui and Huang Youyi presented copies to guests.

As one of the major book promotion events at BEA 2015, the release ceremony was sponsored by the State Council Information Office, the State Administration of Press, Publications, Radio, Film and Television, the Consulate General of China in New York, and the China International Publishing Group. The event was hosted by the Party Building Books Publishing House and the Foreign Languages Press.