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Vanstone translates the language of love and diplomacy.
(From Canberra Times)
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer doesn't have to move over - just yet.
But Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone knows that a little formal fluency in a foreign language translates well in the wider language of diplomacy.
Senator Vanstone's skills were on display again at the Chinese embassy on Wednesday night when she helped commemorate the 55th anniversary of the People's Republic.
And she got a good reaction. Quoting a Chinese poem, many in the audience recited the last line along with the minister. ''I wouldn't rate myself as proficient,'' Senator Vanstone says modestly.
''I think I've got a long way to go.'' Okay, but is the Foreign Minister in any jeopardy? She laughs, ''I don't think so. I don't think so.
''But I do it because I think it is a sign of both friendship and respect ... A lot of people who speak English think that people who don't speak English well are stupid. ''Until they have to learn to speak another language they don't understand what it's like ... I think to any country it's a demonstration of affection and respect.'' She enthuses about the Chinese, noting a sense of humour and friendliness very similar to those found in Australia.
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