Message to the whole world
Some interpreters in China attract the same public attention as film stars, especially at the annual National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the nation's most important political meetings.
These high-profile interpreters work for the department of translation and interpretation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their daily work, on top of translating diplomatic documents, is to interpret for the top leaders when they conduct official visits, talk with other country's leaders or hold press conferences.
Among them,. those interpret for the premier's press conference during every year's "two meetings" catch people's eyes most, because the release is where the premier discusses the nation's strategies and attitudes toward about almost every aspect of Chinese life including politics, economy, culture and people's life.
The interpreter must convey the premier's words very accurately, because the message is delivered not only to those in the conference room, but all across the world.
Most of these interpreters are graduates from Beijing Foreign Studies University, regarded as the best tertiary institution to learn foreign languages in China, or China Foreign Affairs University, which has become the breeding ground for China's diplomats. Some come from other prestigious universities and all have very excellent academic records. Usually they enter the ministry of Foreign Affairs by the annual public servant qualification examination and the ministry's own interview.
According to their performance in the exam and interview, some will be chosen as potential talents for the department of translation and interpretation.
Before they start their careers at the ministry, they undergo strict training in language, foreign policy, diplomatic etiquette and continually update their skills.
Famous interpreters include Zhang Jianmin and Zhu Tong. Zhu impressed the public when interpreting for former Premier Zhu Rongji in his first press conference after being appointed the job in 1998. The interpreter used to work as the chief operating officer in Deutsche Bank China after leaving the ministry.
China Daily
(China Daily 06/05/2007 page18)
