Alumnus Zhang Jianmin talks his career as a diplomatic interpreter

lumnus Zhang Jianmin, now Director of the Translation and Interpretation Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) visited Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) last week and gave a speech on his career as a diplomatic interpreter.

Zhang recalled his life in SISU emotionally which made him closer to the audience. He said that enlightenment from his teachers and the joys in his class often came back clearly to him. He expressed his thanks to SISU and hoped that young students could cherish the golden time and made full use of the rich resources, studying harder and building up their abilities.

When talking about the 70th anniversary of the Victory Day, Zhang said that the parade was very meaningful, which internally cheered the national spirit, patriotic zeal and the spirit of resistance against aggression, while externally showed our strong determination and ability to develop ourselves peacefully as well as showing the world China’s sacrifice and contribution for peace.

He said that everyone should put the heart to our country and everyone’s fate is attached to the age, but we could change the fate of our country and nation through our efforts.

Zhang also mentioned the distinctive feature of China's diplomacy in the new era. He said that China plays an increasingly more important role in international affairs. We Chinese love peace, at the same time, also uphold equal treatment and mutual benefit.

Zhang encouraged the students to participate the diplomatic career actively. He shared some foreign languages learning and translation experience combined with his working practice. He stressed that if you wanted to learn something well, you must hold on your ideals and beliefs firmly, strengthen the basic skills harder, and contribute to it more.

Zhang replied to questions in the interactive session that the audience concerned, and encouraged the students to struggle for their dreams while they are young.

Finally, Zhang concluded with the song of MFA: “Say Love to Our Motherland”. The loyalty, mission and dedication of the diplomacy deeply infected the audience.

Nearly 300 students attended the speech. They said that the speech made them gain more knowledge on translation services and China’s diplomacy. They will shoulder the responsibility of historical mission with more determination and struggle for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Zhang entered SISU when he was 17 years old and finished all his undergraduate studies in three years. Diplomacy came into his life after getting through the enrollment exam of the United Nations Training Program for Translators and Interpreters. He has provided translation and interpreting services for many state leaders and visited nearly 80 countries. Also, he once worked in the Chinese Embassy in the United States.