By HUANG YA’NAN

and ZHANG YIXIN

On Aug. 18, a symposium on academic publications was held in Beijing.

Zhou Zuoyu, vice president of Beijing Normal University (BNU), said that the publishing industry has played an irreplaceable role in passing down and communicating human civilization, and it is also a remarkable contribution made by ancient China to the world. Two of the Four Great Inventions (the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and printing) are related to publishing. Among this, papermaking and printing have played a leading role in human civilization and development. Because the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative features mutual learning between civilizations, exploring the relationship between the B&R initiative, academic research and cultural exchange is of profound historical and practical significance. Being an important category of the publishing industry, academic publications are key to the development of the publishing industry, the prosperity of academic research, and even the progress of human thought. As academic publications shoulder the responsibility and task of improving the quality and quantity of innovation in human culture, strengthening academic publishing is of great importance and influence.

Liu Binjie, director of the Research Institute for Publishing at BNU, said that more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations have embraced and participated in the B&R initiative. It is becoming an experimental zone for building a community of shared future for mankind. The way of achieving people-to-people bonds lies in cultural exchange and cooperation along the B&R routes. Carrying forward the fine tradition formed in the process of cultural communication between Eastern and Western nations, the publishing circle in China has strengthened communication and cooperation with B&R countries, and it has made profound breakthroughs in copyright transaction, book promotion, talent training, technological cooperation, and the localization of investment and joint ventures. With academic research being the essence of human wisdom and the treasure-house of truth, dialogue between civilizations through academic languages and publications is a significant means for the global dissemination of China’s culture, image and cultural essence.

Wan Anlun, a professor from the School of Journalism and Communication at BNU, said that, with the remarkable history of publishing and its spirit of research and innovation, building a leading publishing system is in accordance with development trends and is a significant symbol of cultural confidence. Current publishing circles should inherit traditions and strive to push ahead with the development of China’s publishing industry.