On June 18, 2025, Chinese and international readers browse books at the Malaysia exhibition area. [Photo by Chen Xiaogen/China News Service]

Beijing witnessed an unprecedented buzz at the 31st Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) in June 2025, as over 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions gathered to showcase their latest publishing achievements. This annual event serves as not only a platform for copyright trading, but also a vital window into the evolving ecosystem of international publishing collaboration. With generative artificial intelligence (AI) becoming deeply integrated into content production and cross-cultural communication, how can we balance technological empowerment with the preservation of cultural authenticity? What pathways lie ahead for Sino-foreign publishing cooperation in the future? With these questions, the reporter from China News Release visited the BIBF for possible answers.

Remarkable achievements in copyright trade

Since its adoption by the United Nations in 1952, the Universal Copyright Convention (UCC) has laid a legal foundation for international copyright cooperation under key principles such as national treatment and independent protection. After joining the UCC in 1992, China actively promoted the spirit of the UCC within the context of cultural diversity, and leveraged mechanisms like publishing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to foster exchanges in the field of copyright.

According to data from the BIBF Organizing Committee, this year's fair saw the conclusion of 2,826 Sino-foreign copyright trade agreements and letters of intent, marking a 34.5% increase compared with 2024. Among these, some 1,955 were related to copyright exports, representing a 37.1% year-on-year growth. Imports and cooperative publishing also saw notable growth in both letters of intent and agreements. These figures vividly reflect the remarkably enhanced international influence of China's publishing industry, and demonstrate the continuous expansion of Sino-foreign publishing cooperation. They also signal a qualitative shift from only copyright transactions toward more diversified forms of cultural cooperation.

Walking into the BIBF exhibition hall, visitors were immediately immersed in a bustling atmosphere of copyright trading, with negotiations and signing ceremonies taking place throughout the venue.