Beijing: Reflecting the growing cultural ties between India and China, the Chinese translation of President A P J Abdul Kalam's autobiography, 'Wings of Fire', has been released in Beijing.

"The publication of this book will be another milestone in the cultural exchanges between China and India," Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), Cai Wu said at the book release function on April 10 evening.

"I believe that this book will provide the Chinese people with a new vehicle, by which they can have a better understanding of India," Cai said.

"As one of the first readers of the Chinese language edition of Dr Kalam's book, I am deeply impressed by the content of this book. I am sure the book will receive warm response from the Chinese readers," he commented.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador to China Shiv Shankar Menon said 'Wings of Fire' was a bestseller in India.

"Now that the Chinese language version is available, our Chinese friends will know why this was so. The book will also give them an idea of what India is today, and of the ideals and aspirations that guide India," Menon said.

Noting that most autobiographies are written by retired Presidents or dignitaries, he said, "The fact that Dr Kalam's autobiography was written and published before his elevation as the 11th President of India says a great deal about the man and his work."

PTI