China is emphasizing the importance of human translators in refining artificial intelligence (AI) translations of its political language to prevent misunderstandings and negative interpretations overseas. This call comes amid concerns that literal AI-generated translations of Beijing’s official discourse may inadvertently portray the country’s policies as more threatening than intended.
Li Yan, a professor at Xian Fanyi University, highlighted these concerns in an article published Wednesday in Chinese Social Sciences Today, a publication affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. She argued that translation encompasses far more than the mechanical conversion of words and that maintaining contextual nuance is essential for accurately conveying China’s diplomatic intentions. According to Li, a country’s ability to translate effectively has become a crucial dimension of its cultural soft power and its engagement in global governance in the AI era.
Li pointed to the example of the Chinese phrase taoguang yanghui, a term referring to Deng Xiaoping’s foreign policy approach of maintaining a low international profile while focusing on domestic development. Although commonly translated into English as “hide your capabilities, bide your time,” the expression has been interpreted by some foreign observers as signaling a covert strategy aimed at eventually rivaling the United States. Li noted that AI translations have rendered the phrase literally as “hide brightness, nourish obscurity,” a version she cautioned could reinforce suspicions about China’s intentions. She advocated instead for a translation such as “maintain humility while building strength,” which she said better reflects principles of peaceful development and proactive diplomatic engagement.
In light of the growing role of AI in translation, Li urged that human translators continue to work alongside technology, applying their expertise to interpret culturally specific symbols, metaphors, historical references, and political ideas. The emphasis on refining political language for foreign audiences is part of a broader effort by Chinese government and academic circles to shape international narratives and influence public opinion abroad.
Experts warn that these translation challenges carry significant implications for global perceptions of China’s domestic policies and foreign relations. The risk of misinterpretation is particularly acute in diplomatic contexts where linguistic and cultural differences are pronounced. For instance, a report released last October by the US-based Rand Corporation criticized certain influential China analysts for producing translations and interpretations that it characterized as “hawkish,” suggesting they amplified more aggressive readings of Beijing’s terminology.
China’s push to enhance its translation capabilities underscores the delicate balance international actors face in navigating the subtleties of political communication amid rising reliance on AI and the complex task of conveying national narratives across linguistic and cultural boundaries.