What does white paper, red paper, and black paper mean?

A white paper is another name for an important document or report bound in a white cover that is officially published by the government or parliament. As an official document, it represents the government's position and requires clear facts, clear stance, standardized writing, and concise writing, without any literary flavor.

The white paper has become an internationally recognized official document. Each country's documents have their own customary colors, and those with white covers are white papers.

The countries that use the Red Book mainly include Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, the Soviet Union, etc. Some are used for official documents and some are used for unofficial documents. Spain published the "Red Book on the Question of Gibraltar" (English version) in 1965 and 1968. Britain had used financial red books as early as the 13th century.

For important documents or reports officially published by the government or parliament of a country, countries use different color covers according to their customs. The white one is called a white paper, the blue one is called a blue book (such as the British government), and the red one is called a red book. (such as the Spanish government), yellow paper (such as the French government), green paper (such as the Italian government), etc. Most countries use white papers and blue papers. In particular, the white paper has become an internationally recognized official document.

The Black Book generally refers to the Commercial Photography Yearbook, but in many European countries there are also commercial photography yearbooks or searchable commercial photography yellow pages, which have other names.

Hungary published the book "Public Trial of Ming Zonti" in 1949. The Hungarian and Russian versions both claimed to be a black book, with a black cover and a yellow title, while the English and Russian versions of the book claimed to be a black book. The French version calls itself the Yellow Book. Israel also used the Black Book in 1967, which is rare in the world. Because "BLACK BOOK" usually means "blacklist" or "demerit book" in English, English-speaking countries avoid using black books.

Extended information:

"Paper book" originated from a specific report of a government department on a specific issue. Usually this kind of report is printed without any decoration, and the cover is also white and black. That’s why it’s called a “white paper.” In many countries, it has become a common practice for governments to use “white papers” when publishing reports.

For example, our country has published the "White Paper on Regional Ethnic Autonomy in China" and "China's 2004 National Defense White Paper". In addition, some countries use "Red Book", "Blue Book", "Green Book" and other forms. The nature of "official explanation" of "paper book" also makes it often associated with "authority".

These "papers" come from experts, scholars or professionals from scientific research institutions. They express their understanding and cognition of a certain aspect of current or future politics, economy, and society. Their views and opinions are representative and representative to a certain extent. authoritative.

There are no special regulations on the color of "leather books". It can have no meaning or can be combined with the content of the book. In addition, there are also some books on the market that use "leather book" in the title, just borrowing this concept.

Reference materials: Baidu Encyclopedia--White Paper

Baidu Encyclopedia--Red Book

Baidu Encyclopedia--Black Book