President's works are big hit at Hong Kong Book Fair

Books featuring President Xi Jinping's discourses on a number of subjects and stories about the history of the Communist Party of China have made a big impact at the Hong Kong Book Fair, with many readers hoping to gain a better understanding of the central authorities' future plans for the city through these volumes.

On Wednesday, the traditional Chinese editions of three books of Xi's discourses on various topics and a book with stories shared by Xi about the Party's history debuted at the annual book gala. The four books are now available in major bookstores in Hong Kong and Macao.

One book contains excerpts from his discourses on the importance of the family, family education and virtues, and another has 50 of Xi's important writings on the subject of the running of the country by the people. The third is a compilation of excerpts of Xi's discourses on respecting and protecting human rights, and the fourth is a collection of over 80 stories shared by Xi about the history of the Party.

The four books have been published as a number of seminars are being held in the city on studying Xi's speech on July 1 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

At a launch event, Mao Chaofeng, chairman of Bauhinia Culture Holdings Limited, the four books' publisher, said he hoped that readers in Hong Kong and Macao would gain a better understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as well as the nation's development, its bright prospects and history.

The books may well also reinforce the readers' confidence in "one country, two systems", Mao added.

Speaking at the launch event, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said that the four books would certainly help people get a clearer idea of Xi's thoughts, ideas on politics and guiding concepts on governance. She hopes residents will learn from the books and become responsible and law-abiding residents who cherish Chinese culture and contribute to society and the nation.

Mak said that following Xi's expectations, which were set out in his July 1 speech, the Hong Kong government will strive to make pertinent efforts on educating young people, heed their thoughts, adapt to their needs, and tailor policies and blueprints to suit their growth and development.

Kenneth Fok Kai-Kong, a lawmaker from the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector, said that through these books, readers from Hong Kong and overseas can better understand the president's vision and thoughts, and his concern for the people.

He added that readers will also get to know how the future of everyone in Hong Kong is intertwined with the future of the country and its people, and, as a result, will better understand the history and values of the Party.

A reader surnamed Chiu said that, inspired by Xi's July 1 speech, he came to the book fair and was pleased to find the traditional Chinese editions of Xi's books.

Xi's speech was not only concise but also brimming with wisdom, said Chiu, adding that the president's words provided clear guidance for the future governance of Hong Kong.

"In particular, by reading these books, we can better understand Hong Kong's development and its inextricable ties with the development of the country," he said.

"These books are absolutely worth reading," said Chiu, pointing to the importance of Hong Kong's civil servants studying the president's works.

"Children can also cultivate a sense of national pride and belonging through the works of President Xi," Chiu added.

The Chinese and English editions of the fourth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China were also made available at the book fair on Wednesday.

Li Xiaohua, deputy head of Peace Book Co, said that Xi's speech on July 1 had boosted people's confidence in "one country, two systems".

By showcasing the fourth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China at the company's booth at the book fair, Li said the company hopes to attract more residents to buy and read this important book.