Global Times hosts China-Russia Literature Salon in Beijing

BEIJING, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To thoroughly study, promote, and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and to advance mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, the Global Times "Reading through the Seasons" China-Russia Literature Salon was held on Thursday at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing. Against the backdrop of the "China-Russia Years of Culture," the event aimed to build a new platform for cultural exchanges between the two countries through literary dialogue. It also served as a continuation of the Global Times' "Reading Spring" series of events.

Bai Long, deputy editor-in-chief of the Global Times, and Natalia Stepkina, minister-counsellor of the Russian Embassy in China and permanent representative to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat, delivered opening speeches at the event. Tatiana Urzhumtseva, counselor of the Russian Embassy in China and director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing; Jidi Majia, renowned poet and former vice chairman of the China Writers Association; Evgeny Reznichenko, Russian poet and director of Russia's Institute for Literary Translation; and Liu Wenfei, director of Humanities and Social Sciences at Capital Normal University and a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; were among the renowned writers, translators and prominent cultural figures participating in the event. 

Bai said that the exchanges of literature between China and Russia have always been a vibrant, two-way journey on a broad and open road.

Today, an increasing number of Russian literary works are being translated and published in China, while a great many outstanding contemporary Chinese works are also finding their way into Russia. The Global Times has consistently served as a witness, a chronicler, and a driving force in promoting China-Russia literary dialogue and cultural exchange, Bai noted.

Stepkina said that the China-Russia partnership is flourishing across various fields, with cultural and people-to-people exchanges growing increasingly extensive. 

She said that the China-Russia Literature Salon will make a meaningful contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and serve as a platform to cultivate readers' interest in the literatures of both countries. She said she hopes the event will leave a lasting impression in the cultural memory of all those in attendance.

The Global Times "Reading through the Seasons" China-Russia Literature Salon is held at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Li Hao/GT

During the themed sharing session, the guests engaged in in-depth discussions on China-Russia literary exchange. Urzhumtseva provided a comprehensive overview of the development of Russian literary salons from the late 18th century to the present day, vividly illustrating the seasonal reading preferences of Russian readers. 

Jidi Majia approached the topic from the perspective of poetry, emphasizing that literature is the foundation of mutual learning among civilizations and represents the spiritual core of different cultures. The deep poetic connection between China and Russia has brought the two great nations closer on a spiritual level. 

Reznichenko shared the latest achievements in mutual literary translation between the two countries: Around 150 works have been translated between Chinese and Russian. Thanks to the efforts of translators, readers in both countries are able to get closer to the original spirit of each other's literature. 

Liu Wenfei underscored that in the China-Russia relationship, cultural exchange is the most vital bridge - and within that, literature has always held a central role.

During the following roundtable discussion, Zhang Hongbo, the executive vice president and director-general of the China Written Works Copyright Society; Timofey Bakhvalov, a ­Russian-language translator from the Foreign Languages Press; Zhao Guilian, a professor at the School of Foreign Languages at Peking University; Yao E'mei, an author with the Shanghai Writers' Association; Vladislav ­Otroshenko, a Russian prose writer and literary ­historian; and Igor Malyshev, a ­Russian writer and poet, engaged in lively discussions on topics such as ­literary influence, modern communication, and spiritual connections. From the perspective of intangible cultural heritage preservation, Zhang Yu, a sixth-generation inheritor of Tianjin's Clay Figurine Zhang, shared his insights into the mutually nourishing relationship between art and literary creation.

To inspire a passion for reading among the younger generations in China and Russia, two student representatives, Huang Leyu from Beijing Guangqumen Middle School and Gusarova Ekaterina from the University of International Business and Economics, were invited to share their reading reflections. A China-Russia youth reading initiative was also launched at the event, calling on young people from both countries to use books as a medium to transform literary wisdom into practical action.

Liu Yang, executive editor-in-chief of the Global Times English Edition and host of the event, expressed hopes to take the "China-Russia Years of Culture" as an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship through reading, thereby jointly writing a new chapter in cultural exchange. 

The event was filled with the fragrance of books, and many attendees noted that literary dialogue transcending national borders not only showcases the profound cultural heritage of both countries but also expands the horizons for people-to-people exchange.

Keynote speeches

Bai Long, deputy editor-in-chief of the Global Times：

In the hearts of generations of Chinese readers, Russian literature holds a unique and irreplaceable place. I still vividly remember the strength and determination that surged within me when I first read How the Steel Was Tempered in middle school. With its profound humanistic spirit and immense artistic power, Russian literature has become a bridge that connects the souls of readers in China and Russia. 

Today, a vast number of Russian literary works are being translated and published in China, while an increasing number of outstanding contemporary Chinese works are making their way into Russia. Through reading, China and Russia are engaging in a quiet dialogue across the pages of books.

Natalia Stepkina, minister-counsellor of the Russian Embassy in China：

The book fairs held by both countries are a strong testament to the success of our cooperation. China regularly participates in the Moscow International Book Fair, while Russia takes part in the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). In 2026, Russia will be the Guest of Honor at BIBF, an event that will serve as another major boost to deepening collaboration in the publishing sector. Meanwhile, major publishing houses from both Russia and China, which have already launched joint publishing initiatives and signed cooperation agreements, will be able to further expand the scope of their collaboration.

Tatiana Urzhumtseva, director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing：

Literature salons, which flourished from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, played a vital role in Russia's cultural and intellectual life. They served as centers of communication, debate, the shaping of ideas, and even as laboratories for literary experimentation.

In winter, Russian readers tend to prefer comforting and introspective reading, immersing themselves in complex and thought-provoking worlds. In spring, we often turn to love stories; in summer, we enjoy light and entertaining reads; and in autumn, we are drawn to philosophical works.

Jidi Majia, former vice chairman of the China Writers Association：

A significant part of foreign poetry introduced into modern Chinese poetry was Russian poetry, represented by Alexander Pushkin, which profoundly influenced the development of China's poetry. What I want to express is that the deep connection between Chinese and Russian poetry has, in a sense, strengthened the spiritual and emotional bond between the two countries - and that is more important than anything else.

Evgeny Reznichenko, director of Russia's Institute for Literary Translation：

A truly outstanding translator must overcome the barriers between languages and delve deep into meaning. We must go beyond the literal surface to reach the essence - to grasp the underlying ideas and the true spirit of the text.

It's a pity that I can't read Li Bai's poetry in the original Chinese, but through translation, I can come as close as possible to experiencing his work. In this sense, the China-Russia Literature Salon serves as just such a platform - one that offers people the opportunity for exchange and mutual learning, and to embrace the beauty of literature together.

Liu Wenfei, director of the Humanities and Social Sciences at Capital Normal University ：

In the bilateral relations between China and Russia, civil and cultural exchanges serve as the most vital bridge - and within those exchanges, literature has always held a central position.

Literary diplomacy between China and Russia spans 150 years, predating even civil diplomacy. We consider the translation of the Chinese play The Orphan of Zhao in St. Petersburg in 1759 as the starting point of Chinese literature's entry into Russian literary circles.

Roundtable discussions

Timofey Bakhvalov, Russian-language translator from the Foreign Languages Press：

I hope the China-Russia Literature Salon becomes a strong platform for literary communication between the two countries. I hope people from both China and Russia can gain a deeper understanding of each other's literature, and that all of us can achieve success on the path of literature.

Zhang Hongbo, executive vice president and director-general of the China Written Works Copyright Society：

Copyright trade, including literature, theater, film, television, and games, forms an important cultural foundation for promoting trade between the two countries. From 2014 to 2023, at least 704 types of Russian literary works were published in China, and at least 400 types of Chinese literary works were published in Russia.

Vladislav Otroshenko, Russian prose writer and literary historian：

I am very proud that my novel has a Chinese translation because China is an ancient country with a rich literary tradition, and a country that is part of the world's literary heritage.

Zhao Guilian, professor at the School of Foreign Languages at Peking University：

I believe translating literary works is our unshirkable responsibility. During World War II, a considerable number of Russian anti-fascist literary works were translated into Chinese, and likewise, China produced many anti-war works as well. We share certain common spirits and memories through these writings.

Igor Malyshev, Russian writer and poet：

When people read, they grow and develop more deeply. After all, the value of civilization lies in its ability to inspire progress and personal growth.

Yao E'mei, author with the Shanghai Writers' Association：

In my father's generation, Russian literature was included in their textbooks. Half of my eldest brother's bookshelf was filled with Russian works. This legacy was passed down to me, and it will continue with my children.

Zhang Yu, sixth-generation inheritor of Tianjin's Clay Figurine Zhang：

In traditional crafts like clay sculpture, there are both classic and modern forms, and the same is true for the literary images in contemporary Russian and Chinese literature.

SOURCE Global Times