The book launch party for the English edition of Zhu Rongji on the Record: The Road to Reform 1991-97 was held at the Chinese Consulate General in New York on Monday.

The original four-volume Chinese edition of the work, which collects Zhu's speeches, articles, letters and commentary during his tenure as China's vice-premier and premier from 1991-2003, was published in China in 2011 and has sold 1.3 million copies.

The new English edition includes 112 articles, which Zhu personally selected from the 348 items in Chinese edition. The book is published by the Brookings Institution Press, in association with China's Foreign Languages Press.

Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, and Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of West Germany, wrote forewords for the book.

"By any standard, it was a period of momentous change," Kissinger writes in his foreward. "It was particularly noteworthy for witnessing the construction of a new set of links between China and the international system-in trade, financial markets, science and education, and diplomacy.

"For scholars outside of China," Kissinger continues, "the publication of this book stands as a significant contribution to the historical record."

In a pre-recorded video, Zhu expressed his deep thanks to all his friends who attended the book party.

"The fact that you came today shows that you still remember me and my people," Zhu said.

"This was a critical period in China's reform and development and this book is a record of this historic process," Zhu said. "Most of the content will be new to all of you, because it has never been published."

He said that some of the articles had been cut to make them more readable, but no words had been added. "I want this to accurately record history as it happened. I hope it will help you to understand my country and my people," he said.

In the video, Zhu also expressed good wishes to all of the American people.

Chinese speakers are excited about the publication of the English edition of Zhu Rongji on the record.

Zhang Yesui, China's vice-foreign minister, said the book truly records a critical period in China's reform and development. Zhang handed out copies of the book to guests who attended the ceremony on behalf of Zhu.

Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the US, said he hoped that reading the book would help people better understand the China-US relationship and push it forward to a higher level.

Xu Bu, editor-in-chief of Foreign Language Press, told China Daily, "People came to this book launch to show their respect for the premier, and how seriously they take China-US relations. It seems like they are here for the launch of a new book, but really it's more like a gathering of old friends."

Zhu, who served as premier of China from 1998 to 2003, is well known for his pragmatism and strong work ethic in driving the country's transformation from a planned economy to a more market-oriented one. During Zhu's term in office, China carried out extensive social and economic reforms, laying a solid foundation for its burgeoning economic growth.

Cao Huan contributed to this story.

haidanhu12@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 09/10/2013 page2)