The Global Times, a state-run Chinese tabloid newspaper, had high praise for George Osborne’s visit. But the English translation of its article was heavily edited, cutting out much of the emotion found in the original. Unsurprisingly, the Chinese translation has a rather different tone and is about twice as long. It refers to the ‘little’ West, a derogatory phrase that doesn’t quite translate into English (it means ‘little’ as in ‘inferior’).
The article draws a contrast between Western public opinion, reflected in the media, where there are (unwelcome) concerns about Chinese human rights, and Osborne’s uncritical and polite approach. The Chinese version, however, oozes arrogance, saying that Osborne’s more deferential tone is “only indicative of a natural order”.
The English version has the headline: “Osborne’s Xinjiang trip shows pragmatism”. The Chinese version had a little more to say:-
The British Chancellor becomes realistic; Western media continues to put on an act of superiority
The British Chancellor George Osborne is currently visiting China. He undertook a high-profile visit to Xinjiang, becoming the first western high level politician from recent years to have sought business opportunities in the region without focusing on ‘human rights abuse’.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in