FRANKFURT—The Frankfurt International Book Fair in Germany opened amid controversy on Oct. 14. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) invested 5 million euros in the event, drawing criticism from several Chinese intellectuals who deem the action as the communist regime’s new attempt to disguise itself and deceive the international community.

A Sound of Hope Radio reporter interviewed Jiao Guobiao, a former professor of journalism and communication at Peking University in China, and Zhu Xinxin, a former editor of the Chinese Hebei People's Radio and a member of Independent Chinese PEN Club, regarding the CCP’s participation in the event.

"The regime has changed its strategy in recent years. From television to radio, they are very eager to expand internationally. By investing a lot of money, they hope to bring the regime’s ideology, after some cultural repackaging, into the international community in order to glorify the Party's image,” Zhu said.

“It is simply another tactic, but I don't think its nature has changed. The amount of deception and danger has simply increased. I say this because those of us in China know the actual situation and have deep personal experiences. People in the international community don't understand China. If they only hear the official voice and see the official display of the Chinese regime, they can be easily deceived."

Professor Jiao stated that the regime's grand spending and large delegation do not make the average Chinese citizen feel proud. He compared the CCP’s attempt to show off to “those large demonstration events in North Korea, or the so-called troop parade in China ... or the election of Saddam Hussein when he received 100 percent of the votes.

“It [The Chinese Communist Party] thought these methods would bring it honor and could validate the legitimacy of its rule. In actuality, these actions brought it shame and disgrace. This shows how far away it is from the mainstream culture and the truly civilized world," Jiao said.

When asked about the official Chinese delegation, which was assembled by the CCP to include over 100 writers, Zhu said: "I can see they invited many writers. Some are official government writers, such as Tie Ning [chairman of the Chinese Writers Association]. Some other writers are totally cynical and lack conscience—they only write about things that are favored by the Communist Party. Some other writers are those who write only for the art of writing."

Among members of the Chinese delegation, official writer Wang Zhaoshan is considered the most controversial. In 2008, Wang wrote a poem to praise the communist regime, saying that victims of the devastating Sichuan earthquake were “still happy, even as ghosts” because they lived under such a caring government. The poem has been criticized all across China.

With regard to Wang’s attendance at the event, professor Jiao said: "I see that Wang Zhaoshan is also part of this delegation. The regime counts this person of the lowest moral values as part of the Communist Party's pool of talent. How many honors can the regime gain out of this pool?

“The only thing of notice that Wang wrote is a poem about the earthquake, a very shameful poem, and one that is very much criticized. This is why the government chose this person. That is to say, realistically, whoever is anti-culture, anti-public, and has caused the most public anger will be selected," Jiao said.

Sources indicate that in months preceding the Frankfurt International Book Fair, the CCP attempted to coerce event organizers into canceling planned speeches of Chinese authors Dai Qing and Bei Ling, whose writings include critical assays on issues of the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, the Tiananmen Massacre, and other subjects forbidden by the Chinese communist regime.

The Party also tried to prevent Chinese authors who wrote about various social problems in China, including Liao Yiwu and Xu Youyu, from attending the book fair.

The CCP’s actions have been criticized by various German media, the German chancellor, and the general public.