As part of China's campaign to improve cultural relations with France, a total of 27 Chinese writers are scheduled to visit the European country between March 18 and 24.

The list includes virtually all of China's best, most famous and most important authors, such as Mo Yan, Su Tong, Han Shaogong, Ge Fei, Yu Hua and Liu Xinwu.

Already well known in France as well as here at home, these authors all enjoy high international recognition. The works of 21 of them have already been translated into French.

According to the General Administration of Press and Publication, China will be the guest of honour at this year's Salon du Livre Paris, an annual March event dedicated to the book trade.

The salon is actually a book fair, which this year will host 1,200 publishers from around the world and draw more than 230,000 fairgoers.

At the fair, each of the Chinese author will be allocated one hour to meet the public, allowing them to exchange thoughts with their French readers.

Nearly 30,000 titles published in China over the past several years will be on exhibit at the fair.

The selected books fall into three categories -- "Old China," "Colourful China" and "Modern China," and will give French book-lovers a comprehensive overview of Chinese literature.

French publishers will also exhibit 75 books translated from the Chinese and published in France with help from the Chinese Government.

China's participation in the salon is part of the activities of the 2003-04 Chinese Culture Year in France. It is expected to help promote Chinese books and publishing internationally, and introduce Chinese books into mainstream society in France as well as in other European countries.

An exhibition featuring the long history and latest developments in book publishing in China will also be held at the fair.

(China Daily March 11, 2004)