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Chinese social media continues love-in with ‘most beautiful’ interpreter after Alaska talks
- Zhang Jing has been widely praised online for her language skills with admirers saying she helped ease tensions
- The senior officials taking part in the talks also joked about her role, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joking that she deserved a raise
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The job of the interpreter was one of the most interesting features of the recent talks between China and the US if the reaction from Chinese social media is any guide.
Zhang Jing, a seasoned professional, was praised for her fluent translation of the opening remarks made by China’s foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi in Anchorage, Alaska last Thursday, while some internet users tried to draw comparisons with her American counterpart.
Zhang’s translation of Yang’s 15-minute speech during the testy opening exchanges was also commented upon by those taking part in the high-level talks.
Yang said it would be a “test for the interpreter” while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken drew laughter by replying “we’re going to give the translator a raise”.
Yang, whose opening speech was far longer than the agreed-upon two minutes, complained that his US counterparts had overrun their allotted time and touted China’s success in tackling poverty and containing Covid-19 while the US was still battling the pandemic.
He also said many Americans have little confidence in US democracy, and cited the Black Lives Matter Movement.
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