Sometimes one of the biggest barriers between the west and China (as perceived in recent debates about Tibet or the Olympic torch) is the way in which the government responds to criticism. Having lived in China for a year now, I've started to realise that Chinese and English languages don't just differ in terms of sounds and vocabulary - the whole mode of speech is different.

Take this recent government response to criticism about the lack of tourists planning to visit Beijing this summer:

"The government will not talk about anything negative," said the man, who gave his name only as Mr Song. "If the matter was something positive, then maybe we could talk about it more." (quoted from The Guardian)

This type of bombastic, arrogant phrasing flies well in China, but in English this just sounds petulant, facile and childish. Basically, 'we're too proud to admit that there are problems'. Giving the speaker the benefit of the doubt, perhaps what he means is "we would prefer not to dwell on negative issues this close to the opening of the games".

Similarly, when Sharon Stone recently made her ill-advised comments about karma and the Wen Chuan earthquake, the government's response was to label her an 'enemy of mankind'. A typical UK government response (if they even bothered to comment) would probably be a milder and more diplomatic, 'Ms Stone's comments are inappropriate and insensitive.'

Why, when the government places so much emphasis on English language learning in China, does it continue to totally fail when it comes to translated press statements? The Chinese government gains some kudos internally by making strong, nationalistic statements, and by using colourful language, but when those statements are translated into English, why not temper them slightly to suit the English language and possibly engender international respect, rather than ridicule?

[UPDATE]Another great article from the Guardian - this time accurately highlighting that some governments (China included) are bad at international PR. In China's case, their total failure to court good press internationally is inversely proportional to their ability to manipulate their internal audience into feeling bullied by other global powers.