Liu Kuijuan feels a sense of pride whenever she sees books published by China International Communications Group (CICG) in the hands of overseas readers.

Many of those books, translated from Chinese to English, had gone through her own desk. They are now being read and studied by a wide audience, including influential figures like politicians and scholars.

Liu Kuijuan looks up in the dictionary at her workplace in Foreign Languages Press. [Photo courtesy of Liu Kuijuan]

Having worked at Foreign Languages Press (FLP) under CICG for 15 years, Liu has engaged in the translation of many high-profile books on China, including works by China's national leaders, such as four volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," as well as other books on China's government and culture.

When recounting her professional growth, she attributed it to the guidance of veteran translators, the invaluable experience gained from major projects, and the strong emphasis CICG places on nurturing talent.

Liu Kuijuan is honored as a role model for women in 2023. [Photo courtesy of Liu Kuijuan]

"CICG highly values talent and believes that young people can also make a difference," she said. Since joining the company in 2009 as a junior translator, her role has steadily elevated to senior translator, assistant director of the English Department at FLP, and deputy director of the department. She has just been promoted head of the Portuguese Department.

Drawing strength

Working on the translation and review of the four volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was a transformative experience for Liu. It offered her a unique opportunity to engage in the entire process, from translation to publication.

Her first encounter with this monumental task was a decade ago. Being part of a dedicated team allowed her to interact closely with a number of seasoned translators.

She recalls how former CICG Vice President Huang Youyi thoroughly understands national policies and their future trends and how good he is at telling stories. She also recounts that senior translator Wang Mingjie provided detailed handwritten feedback to guide the translation team, while he and former FLP Editor-in-chief Xu Mingqiang, also a veteran translator, visited the printing house to monitor the books' progress. The entire team reviewed the translations dozens of times to ensure perfection, she said. 

During breaks, these experienced translators would often discuss their approach to translation, share their understanding of policies, and explain how certain policies evolved over time. 

"I've drawn strength from them and received inspiration and assistance in various ways," she said, highlighting how these interactions improved her language proficiency and understanding of policies and traditional culture.

Deep commitment

As she continues to hone her skills, Liu has gained a deeper understanding of her chosen profession and how to excel in it.

Liu works at her desk at Foreign Languages Press. [Photo courtesy of Liu Kuijuan]

"Translation isn't just about converting words; it's about international communication. Effective international communication requires both looking up at the stars while keeping your feet on the ground," Liu said.

To Liu, this means staying true to the original text while also considering the audience's perspective to ensure the translation resonates with them. Translators, she believes, must take their audience's backgrounds into consideration and anticipate how well they will grasp the content. 

Liu said this was actually an important goal in the translation of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China." She and other team members put significant thought into every aspect of their translation projects — from translator's notes and the book's cover and title, to font choices, glossary terms, and beyond.

During her 15-year journey with CICG, Liu has witnessed its evolution firsthand. The organization has increasingly embraced new media, tailored content to specific global audiences, and leveraged emerging technologies. "CICG's development mirrors that of the country — confident, open, inclusive, energetic, and innovative," she noted.

As China strives for more effective international communication, Liu believes this era offers a tremendous opportunity for the country to present itself to the world. "The world's eyes are on China," she said.

And despite some concerns about cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence replacing translators, Liu holds a different view. She believes technology enhances international communication and that skilled professionals will always be in demand. "We shouldn't see AI as a challenge; we should embrace it as an opportunity for rapid growth," she emphasized.