Dear authors, teachers, readers, students,

Dear Chinese friends,

I am pleased to announce the opening of the 8th EU-China Literary Festival. In collaboration with EU Member States, the festival invites European and Chinese authors to exchange their views on trends of contemporary literature in the European Union and China. Through a series of dialogues between authors and literary saloons, the festival will open a door to a rich diversity of literary expressions and new ideas. Our reading corners in partnership with renowned bookstores in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou will provide encounters with a wide range of books coming from all corners of the European Union.

Dear Chinese friends,

In 2005, UNESCO members adopted the Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. As a party of this convention, the EU is committed to promoting the freedom and diversity of cultural expression as part of its international cultural relations. This is not different in our relations with China. We remain committed to promote intense people-to-people relations between Europe and China. I am confident that this festival is a step forward in that direction. I invite you to participate and enjoy.