Panda diplomacy – visit to Australia by Premier Li
Diplomatic Interpreting
Australia-China
Relationship
Cultural Exchange
High Level
Negotiations
Industry Standards
NAATI Level 5
AIIC Interpreter
Chinese leaders have been visiting Australia for decades. They never speak English and always have a coterie of interpreters with them. If you think about it, China’s dealings with most countries require language translation – not just English and Chinese but all languages! After all, China is the number one trading partner of around 120 countries. Translators in China are highly regarded and vital to China’s place in the world.
The recent visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang was a case in point and it came at a critical time in the Australia-China relationship following some years of difficulties, trade barriers and COVID. It was important to ensure a smooth visit and positive outcomes underpinned by outstanding translation.
Western English-speaking countries are getting better at dealing with foreign languages in diplomacy and business. Visits by foreign leaders require high-level interpreters able to work under pressure and tackle tough negotiations, often with little preparation or advance knowledge. Visit logistics are planned out in minute detail to ensure that nothing goes wrong and positive announcements will come. Interpreters are engaged for all parts of the program. Both sides must have their own interpreters. Some of the work is done simultaneously with 2 interpreters in a sound-proof booth; some is done one-to-one or at site visits where the interpreter sticks by the side of the leader.
Top Interpreter Action
Premier Li visited 3 cities during his 4-day trip and all interactions featured top Mandarin Interpreters on each side.
For the roundtable for business leaders in Perth CHIN’s interpreting team delivered the live translation of speeches and discussion simultaneously to the Chinese and Australian delegates. For a number of site visits the interpreting was done at the side of the leader – like the Adelaide Zoo where I stuck next to the Foreign Minister and the South Australian Premier.
Successful Visit
As has been widely reported, the visit by Premier Li and his large delegation went off without a hitch. Some trade barriers have subsequently been removed and more talks are scheduled. Having been involved in senior visits to and from China for around 30 years, it is wonderful to see the planning and detail that goes in to these visits and the early engagement of interpreters. The results speak for themselves – the pandas can stay!
