Newsworthy: Cultural Diplomacy and Censorship

The Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book trade event in the world, recently became the focus of controversy on account of a public tug of war between cultural diplomacy and censorship, and between China's status as the "honored guest" at the Book Fair and the simultaneous presence of Chinese dissident writers. The planning between the fair's organizers and Chinese publication officials had been in the works since 2006 and covered delicate topics such as whether or not political dissidents, government critics, or other controversial figures such as the Dalai Lama or Rebiya Kadeer could be present. The controversy began at a conference preceding the Book Fair, titled "China and the World — Perceptions and Realities," over the participation of two Chinese dissident writers. Despite the fact that the Chinese government relented on the issue of whether or not to allow dissidents and government critics to attend the Book Fair, German newspaper headlines proclaiming "China, the Unwelcome Guest" left members of the Chinese delegation feeling unfairly criticized and unwelcome.

An article about the Frankfurt Book Fair can be found here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/world/asia/19books.html?hp=&pagewanted=all

The official website for "China - Tradition and Innovation, Guest of Honor 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair" can be viewed here:

http://www.fbf2009china.com/frankfurteren/Index.html