I refer to the article by Peter Gordon ("Writers' block" January 4) on the benefits of promoting Chinese fiction overseas and Hong Kong's possible role in helping to develop Chinese "soft power" in this way.
 
Readers may be interested to know that the process has already started. Last November, the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), a Hong Kong-based think tank, piloted a programme to fund participation in overseas literary events by sending two leading Chinese writers - Xu Xiaobin and the Man Asian Literary Prize winner Su Tong - to help anchor a new Asian literary event at the Asia Society in New York. We were also able to work in a well-attended talk at Harvard University.
 
In spite of the word "energy" in our name, CEFC is also strongly committed to promoting Chinese culture and literature.
 
It believes that increasing international awareness is an excellent and cost-effective way to improve China's global standing, and we have several active programmes in this area. Being based in Hong Kong and entirely independent, we have more flexibility than organisations based across the border.
 
Our first foray was, we thought, very successful and as we seek to widen the pilot into a more extensive ongoing programme of sponsorship of Chinese fiction and literature in key countries overseas, we urge others to do likewise.
 
This would certainly lead to a better understanding of China, its people and government.
 
A better understanding of a major player on the international stage would no doubt lead to a more harmonious world.



January 12, 2012
Posted on SCMP Letters to Editor, By Dr Patrick HO

Patrick Ho, secretary general, China Energy Fund Committee