China-themed book exhibition in Geneva entices before Xi's visit

Over 6.2 million copies of President Xi Jinping’s book The Governance of China have been distributed worldwide since its release two years ago, Minister of the State Council Information Office Jiang Jianguo said on Monday.

"The book has steadily attracted worldwide attention and more than 6.2 million copies have already been distributed in different languages," Jiang revealed when he addressed a launch ceremony on a global China-themed book exhibition in Geneva.

Jiang said the book’s distribution volume has already set a record, surpassing all other Chinese leaders’ works since the reform and opening up from the late 1970s.

The book exhibition, which will last one month, was launched the day before China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced Xi’s upcoming visit to Switzerland from Jan 15-18.

"President Xi will be discussing with his Swiss counterpart on how to upgrade relations to a new level and the visit will be of landmark importance to the region and the world," said Jiang.

In addition to beefing up trade relations, China and Switzerland will announce new measures in boosting cultural exchanges, tourism and financial cooperation during the visit.

After the state visit, Xi will be delivering the keynote speech at the annual World Economic Forum on Jan 17 in Davos. He is scheduled to visit the Lausanne-based International Olympic Committee and the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, as well as speak at the high-level conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva before wrapping up his first overseas tour in 2017.