Facing Me Is You: Bridging the Divide Between China and the Foreign Press

Embark on an intriguing journey of discovery into how high-level Chinese party and government officials engage with the media. Packed with anecdotes, no detail is too small to escape the author’s notice, from dressing to impress to addressing North Korea’s nuclear aspirations, disputed islands in the South China Sea and UK demonstrations against the Beijing Olympics. This book lifts the veil on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this hitherto opaque world of high-level PRC press conferences. Join Fu Ying at the National People’s Congresses as she adroitly prepares for and navigates tough questions, addresses sensitive issues, and tactfully and cheerfully counters perceived biases. Travel with her to the UK where, as PRC ambassador, she works to bridge cultural divides and challenge misconceptions about China while simultaneously embracing aspects of UK press culture she can learn from, such as world-class training on how to handle the media.

Table of Contents:
* Contents * Dedication * Preface to the English Edition – Fu Ying * Introduction – Stephen Perry * Foreword * I. The NPC Press Conference 2017 * 1\. Walking into the press conference * Continuous preparation until the last minute * Last-minute preparation * 11:00am, 4 March 2017 * Witnessing the dawn of the Chinese Civil Code * My understanding of the civil code * My transformation from a diplomat to a lawmaker * Smog is a \"must-answer\" question * Some thoughts on environmental protection * 2\. The National Defence Budget, Personal Information Protection and Anti-Corruption * Has China caused any war or chaos in the world? * Should I give the defence budget data early to the journalists? * That question on the 2017 national defence budget * China’s national defence spending * A look at the “China Threat Theory” * Personal information of citizens is protected by law * Simplifying the complex * Responding to economic concerns * Nothing off limits for anti-corruption * Rule of law and system construction * The role of the people’s congresses in anti-corruption and anti-corruption in the people’s congresses * 3\. The Protection of Women and Children and China’s International Role * Brilliant ideal and harsh reality * Witnessing introduction of the Anti-Domestic Violence Law * Pay attention to issues of “left-behind children” * What role will China play in the world? * China and India are not enemies * Befriending foreign journalists * Answering challenging questions * Introducing the NPC system * “Rebuff” was not my intention * II. Stories Behind the Press Conferences * 4\. Working for “the Two Sessions” * Annual preparation period * Starting from the internal information: office symposiums * The media speaks for the people: Symposiums with the media * Messages from the frontline: talking with the ministries and commissions * Tell the Chinese story: Host briefings for foreign media * 5\. \"Forged\" into a News Spokesperson * My first experience with a press conference * It’s not just me — It’s a team * Finding out people\'s questions * Determining our position and perspective * A press conference is the art of “listening” * Practice, practice, and more practice * Appearance is another form of expression * III. Stories Outside the News Conference * 6\. Friendly and Fiery Moments at International Forums * China needs more representation at international forums * My first encounter with the MSC * Who is “controlling” North Korea? * Debate and argument * My experience with the Valdai Discussion Club * Valdai 2016 * Valdai 2017 * Russia’s “Valdai Experience” * 7\. Recalling My Time Spent in the UK * Arriving in the UK * Public opinion shock following the “3·14” unrest in Tibet * “Progressing fantastically yet communicating badly” * Strict teachers * My maiden appearance on BBC Breakfast * The 2008 Beijing Olympic flame arrives in the UK * The rocky torch relay * Ambassador as a torchbearer * My article in The Sunday Telegraph * Face-to-face with veteran journalist Jon Snow * A debate with Lionel Barber * My Pre-G20 London Summit interview * Transferring my London experience to Beijing * Afterword

About the Author :
Fu Ying started her career with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1978 and has long been engaged in Asian affairs. She has held various roles, including Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2007-2009) and later as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs and then for Asian Affairs (2009-2013). She is now a Vice-Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China’s 13th NPC. Dr Chen Chunhua is a senior independent interpreter/translator and co-founder of “Transyes”, a Beijing-based language service provider. A seasoned conference interpreter, she has provided professional services to state leaders, governmental organisations and multinational corporations. Holding numerous degrees, she is also certified by the European Union's Department of Interpretation.

Review :
“A senior diplomat known for her signature blend of empathy and moderate demeanour" - Brian Wong, USCNPM “Madam Fu Ying is a rare specimen in the ranks of Chinese diplomacy.” - Lionel Barber, Financial Times