Expert: Terry Thatcher Waltz - 4/22/2006

Question
I would appreciate it if you could tell me whether President Hu Jintao of China can speak English and, if so, did he gave any speeches (or make any statements) in English while in the United States? Thank you very much. Al Brown

Answer
I don't know if he speaks English or not, but diplomatic protocol demands that heads of state and similarly highly-placed persons speak only their nation's language, and then be interpreted through an interpreter. Of course in the case of the Chinese, usually just about everyone on the delegation speaks drop-dead good English and they all check the interpreters' performance (on both sides). The Chinese side have their statements ahead of time and the officials do not vary, so their job is a bit easier. It's possible that he might have spoken to someone privately in English (if he can speak English) but IMHO it would be unusual and unlikely, and very unlikely that he would give a speech in English. Too much potential for misunderstanding (deliberate or otherwise). If he speaks in Chinese such misunderstandings can be controlled.