Literature exchange including book translation and publication into each other's languages could deepen mutual understanding between Malaysia and China, Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said on Tuesday.

A total of 15 Chinese books, translated into Malay and English and published in Malaysia as part of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) book program, were launched during the 2019 Kuala Lumpur International Bookfair here.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Teo said the BRI book program was aimed at promoting and creating awareness on the culture and history of China to the Malaysian people through the translation of Chinese book.

Among the books are The Illustrated Classic of Tea, A Hundred Whys About Silk and Classical Chinese Poetry and the Malay Language translation of an introduction of Shu brocade technique, covering various aspects of Chinese literature, history and culture.

"This publication and launch prove the close relationship between Malaysia and China in the field of publication, literature and culture. Malaysia is one of the most active countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of translating books from China," she said.

Teo added that cultural interaction is only successful when both parties share knowledge, saying it was important for books showcasing the Malay culture to be translated into Chinese and to introduce readers from China to Malaysia.

Chen Chen, minister-counselor of the Chinese embassy in Malaysia, said the launching of the books is part of the celebration marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.

The books are published locally with the support of the Malaysia Han Culture Center and Institute of Language and Literature, the Malaysian government body responsible for coordinating the use of the Malay language and Malay-language literature in Malaysia, in cooperation with China's Zhejiang Publishing United Group. 

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