"In recent years, we have vigorously implemented an internationalization strategy that focuses closely on our core publishing business," Zhang Chaoyang, president of the PPMG, said at a keynote speech at the Beijing International Book Fair in June.

"By integrating high-quality internal resources and improving our overseas presence, we have promoted international dissemination and publishing cooperation through key initiatives, such as copyright trade, cooperative publishing, and global content sourcing."

The efforts have yielded results. The group has established strong, long-term cooperative relationships with publishing institutions in more than 60 countries and regions worldwide, he says.

Since May 2017, it has been setting up branches of the Phoenix Library in 18 cities around the world, including Birmingham in the United Kingdom, San Diego in the United States, The Hague in the Netherlands, and Paris in France.