Getting a foot in

He attributes this to the special qualities in their writings - Wang's philosophical ruminations are similar to those of the older generation of Russian intellectuals, while Feng excels in historical works.

But he also emphasizes the importance of publicity - both writers have been active in cultural-exchange activities between the two countries.

"Just 10 years ago, Russian readers' knowledge of Japanese literature was just as blurred as that of Chinese literature. But things have changed dramatically after several years of targeted publicity."

Italian translator Lisa Carducci, who has lived in China for more than 20 years and penned many books on her insights into Chinese culture and society, sees films, television and dramas as promising channels for promoting literature. She points out that it is because of Zhang Yimou's films that books such as, Mo Yan's Red Sorghum, Su Tong's Raise the Red Lantern and Yu Hua's To Live, have become known to the world.

Tie Ning, writer and chairperson of the Chinese Writers' Association, says she and her colleagues would like to spare no efforts to help translators resolve copyright issues and apply for translation subsidies, as well as create more opportunities for them to meet Chinese writers and publishers.

"Without the wisdom and dedication of translators, readers like me will be blind to world literature," she says.

Wu Wei says the CBI program has subsidized the publication of 1,910 books about China in 26 languages, involving 246 publishers from 46 countries, since its start in 2006.