To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The Yomiuri Shimbun International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons speaks at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Winter Paralympics on Sunday.
By Rie Tagawa / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent
14:57 JST, March 14, 2022
BEIJING — State-run China Central TV’s broadcast of the Winter Paralympics closing ceremony Sunday evening did not provide simultaneous interpretation in Chinese to parts of the speech given in English by International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons.
A similar omission occurred during the opening ceremony when parts of Parson’s speech in English apparently had the Russian invasion of Ukraine in mind. CCTV’s actions raise speculation that the omissions were intentional.
In his closing ceremony address, Parsons did not directly mention Russia nor Ukraine, but hailed Paralympians as “champions for peace.” There was no Chinese interpretation of this part.
Parsons also expressed “hopes for peace” based on the unity demonstrated during the Paralympics despite participants’ differences in nationality, views and abilities. CCTV’s interpreter altered the expression and interpreted it into a Chinese phrase meaning in English, “hopes for becoming a big family.”
The IPC had asked CCTV for an explanation for not providing interpretation for parts of Parsons’ opening ceremony speech but had not received a response as of Saturday.
