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China: Diplomatic Service

Asked by Dr Neil Shastri-HurstConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 28 March 2025UIN 40312

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of British diplomats posted to China have language proficiency in Chinese at CEFR level C1 or higher.

Answered by Catherine West

As of March 2025, 64 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) staff have achieved qualifications in Mandarin at C1 or C2 level (in the Common European Framework Reference scale) over the past five years. FCDO language qualifications are valid for 5 years.

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