MANILA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese books were on display on the 2018 Manila International Book Fair which kicked off at SMX convention center in the Philippines' capital on Wednesday, giving local readers a new window to understand China.

Sponsored by China's state press and publication administration, five Chinese publishing companies organized the Chinese books showcase with a focus on China's reform and opening-up, Chinese culture and Chinese-learning books for local people, comprising more than 400 kinds of books from 11 categories.

He Hong, head of the Chinese exhibition delegation, said the books on display not only reflected Chinese culture but also China's economic development and social progress today, which would help Philippine readers to better understand ancient and contemporary China.

"Meanwhile, Chinese exhibitors are also willing to meet local publish houses to negotiate for copyright exchange and cooperation," He added.

At the book launch, many Philippine publishers came to Chinese books showcase, reading Chinese books and inquiring about further cooperation on the realm of culture and publication industry as well as trade in books.

The annual Manila International Book Fair, founded in 1980, is the biggest book fair in the Philippines. The 39th fair, from Wednesday to Sunday, was anticipated to attract more than 100 exhibitors and 150,000 visitors.