China has recently initiated a special program to promote the essence of China's modern literature among overseas readers, according sources with the Chinese Writers' Association.

The list of total works will finally be decided after being discussed by the association, the writers and foreign publishers, the People's Daily reported.

Insiders said the program will serve as a new attempt to improve exchanges between Chinese literature and the world via moving Chinese literature into world markets.

In the 1980s, China published a set of books titled "Panda Series" that were translated into English, French, German and other languages and mostly donated to readers, which were warmly welcomed by overseas readers. Some still remember the joy they had experienced with the books, the daily said.

However, with the passing of time, outdated translated versions and the donating method of Chinese literature works can no longer meet the need of foreign readers, the association was quoted as saying.

It said some elite works like Being Alive by Yu Hua, Scarlet Jowar by Mo Yan and Oh, My Concubine by Su Tong have been published in countries including French and sold quite good in overseas markets.

In March 2004, more than 10,000 copies of the works by 26 Chinese writers were sold within six days, forming a outstanding part of the "China French Culture Year."

"Foreign publishers have shown increasingly great interest in Chinese literature," it concluded. "And new books will be added to the list in response to voices by foreign readers." 

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2005)