So simple that any child can learn it

Piece of cake

You may not be aware, but Chinese is one of the world’s easiest languages to learn!

This news comes to us by way of China’s foreign minister, Yang Jiechi (杨洁篪), who spoke at a press conference this morning.

Perhaps Yang was trying for a bit of levity in response to a question about relations between Russia and China. Here’s how he closed his point on the need for expanded cultural exchanges (translated from the Chinese transcript):

There are many people studying Chinese now. I hope that all of you reporters, and the other ladies and gentlemen in attendance, can take up the study of Chinese. I believe that Chinese is one of the easiest languages in the world to learn. Otherwise, how can you explain why 1.3 bllion people have chosen it as their mother tongue?

That press conference also contained this gem of a question, which was mocked on Teng Yun’s blog:

China Radio International: In recent years, China’s foreign ministry has placed increased emphasis on economic diplomacy and public diplomacy. On the one hand, this assists Chinese enterprises in going abroad, while on the other, it invites common people to join the foreign ministry. How do you handle these two areas of work? What further plans do you have? Second, on the issue of individuality, we have seen you on the TV performing Suzhou ballad singing with other CPPCC members, leaving a deep impression on us all. Could you address for us some of your leisure-time activities? In addition, the media often describes you as refined yet farsighted, and humorous without sacrificing gravity. We want to know whether this is an outgrowth of your personality, or if it is a diplomatic character that has been formed over many years. What sort of diplomat do you see yourself to be? Thank you.