In a speech to open the Frankfurt Book Fair on Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel described books as a release, offering personal freedom in modern day life.

"Rummaging in books, diving into different worlds - the fascination of reading knows no boundaries, reading brings us closer together. It is a fundamental human desire to hold a book in one's hand."

Meanwhile Xi Jimping, vice president of this year's partner nation, China, focused on the international benefits of such events.

"The constant exchange of cultural material bestows an ever-broader and more complete life upon our planet," he said.

The Frankfurt Book Fair has drawn criticism for choosing China as its guest this year, considering the country's strict censorship laws, meaning that Chinese authors are not always free to write without fear. However, Merkel insisted on Tuesday that she would not flinch from uncomfortable topics when talking to Vice President Xi.

"I am sure there shall be no taboos during our discussions. That principle, after all, is at the very core of freedom of expression, and no artistic genre better represents this value than literature."

Carrot and stick

The book fair's organizers have defended their decision to team up with China - arguing that any exchange can only help improve matters.

"We condemn limitations of human rights and limitations of freedom of speech," fair director Juergen Boos said Tuesday, acknowledging that some people had questioned the decision.

"Not talking about unpleasant subjects has not helped in the past, we have to be open and deal with them."

Boos also pointed out that - despite the current political situation - China, as the homeland of both print and paper, is actually a logical partner for any book fair. While the fair will showcase about 200 presentations designed in collaboration with the government in Beijing, a further 250 or so will offer critics and dissidents their chance to display their work. Some of the events will even bring both sides together for debate, Boos added.

"I am happy that China is presenting itself here and facing the discussions we are going to have."

The fair often courts controversy, with last year's guest country, Turkey, also criticized for its limits on freedom of expression.

The five-day event - the largest of its kind in the world - officially opens for business on Wednesday, with some 6,900 exhibitors from 100 countries in attendance. However, the fair will be considerably smaller than last year, as publishers battle the global recession and the onslaught of Internet book access.

msh/AFP/dpa

Editor: Nancy Isenson