By promoting the theoretical study program of studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, alongside the application of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office is actively enhancing Beijing’s role as the national center for international exchanges and wholeheartedly supports the country’s overall diplomacy and the high-quality development of the capital in the new era. Through this process, the Translation Center of Beijing Foreign Affairs Office has consistently demonstrated remarkable cohesion and dedication. With their utmost professionalism, they have effectively narrated the stories of Beijing and amplified its voice during the meetings between municipal leaders and the heads of multinational corporations, the reception banquet of the China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing, as well as in signature events such as “Foreign Journalists Visit Beijing” and “Foreign Diplomats Experience Beijing”.
We must keep an upright political stance
No aspect in Beijing is deemed trivial or irrelevant to politics, as the work in the capital bears on the country’s most fundamental interests. To qualify as interpreters of the capital, all members of the center have made political theoretical study their top priority, equipping themselves with a deep understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. This enables them to grasp the significance of their work in advancing the development of the capital in the new era and contributing to the nation’s rejuvenation efforts. By aligning their efforts with the goal of enhancing Beijing’s role as a center for international exchanges and promoting the high-quality development of foreign affairs in the capital, they wholeheartedly serve as a bridge that shares Beijing’s stories with the world. They approach every task with a strong sense of political responsibility, a recognition of their historical mission, and a commitment to upholding honor.
Practice makes perfect
To ensure that interpreters are well-equipped to tackle challenging tasks, a comprehensive training program consisting of over 200 group study sessions is conducted every year. These sessions aim to build a strong foundation of professional skills among the interpreters. In addition to regular training covering various forms and content, there is a specific focus on targeted training that aligns with the developmental needs of the capital in the new era. Interpreters continuously enhance their knowledge structure by keeping themselves updated on trending topics such as carbon emissions trading, biomedicine, and intelligent driving. They immerse themselves in simulated scenarios of foreign affairs, designed to replicate the actual tension and pressure they may encounter. Moreover, they diligently read important materials, such as the leaders’ speeches, the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, and the documents of the “Two Sessions”, to stay informed about the latest policy expressions just like China’s “top-notch translation team”. The rigorous training endeavors with the sole aim of ensuring flawless on-site interpretation without any errors.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Every assignment requires meticulous preparation, as it encompasses a wide range of scenarios and topics, spanning from the conference room to factory floors, from the discussion on “seven accesses” and “five expectations” to complex subjects like the brain-computer interface (BCI). A pre-work checklist is crafted based on past experience to ensure that every aspect is thoroughly covered in the preparation process. This includes not only reviewing essential materials such as the current circumstances of China and Beijing, as well as industrial development, but also conducting an extensive examination of previous interactions between the two sides and staying updated on the latest pressing issues. Thanks to this rigorous preparation, foreign guests, for example, praised the interpreters for accurately interpreting unexpected and rare words like “sulfur hexafluoride” and “multiple myeloma” during a meeting between municipal leaders and a biomedical company. It is through relentless practice and hard work, rather than mere luck, that the interpreters consistently hit the mark and deliver exceptional performance time and time again.
Experience is the best teacher
While the training serves as valuable preparation, it is the actual job itself that serves as the true test for the interpreters. Following each assignment, they meticulously review every aspect, ranging from their preparation and psycological development to their ability to excel in challenging situations. They are committed to enhancing their performance by listening to the recorded interpretation multiple time to identify any issues and their underlying causes. Furthermore, they understand the importance of documenting each event and maintaining comprehensive work records for future reference. Whether working individually or as a cohesive team, they successfully provide on-site interpretation for over 100 foreign affairs meetings and multilateral events annually, along with handling millions of words of translation and proofreading tasks every year. It is their selfless dedication commitment to excellence that have earned the Translation Center a well-deserved reputation for the outstanding work.
With self-confidence and a steadfast commitment to keeping pace with the high-quality development of the capital, the interpreters will persistently refine their skills and forge ahead. They firmly believe that the pursuit of success is most fruitful during the youthful years. They will always devote themselves to the capital’s foreign affairs work, investing great effort and unswerving determination. In doing so, they aim to unleash their full potential and fulfill their aspirations in the course of their work.
