dexinwin BEIJING, October 11, 2026 — Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd opened his remarks at the 2026 Tongzhou Global Development Forum with a humorous line in Chinese, telling the audience: “There is nothing to fear under heaven or on earth, except Old Lu still speaking Chinese.”
The joke drew laughter from the audience and highlighted Rudd’s long-standing connection with the Chinese language and culture. Known in China by the nickname “Old Lu,” Rudd has frequently used Mandarin in public speeches and interviews, combining humor with references to Chinese traditions and history.
His appearance at the Beijing forum also focused on a more serious subject: how countries with different political systems, histories and interests can manage strategic competition without allowing it to escalate into confrontation or conflict.
A Familiar Joke Reflects Rudd’s Chinese-Language Background
Rudd’s opening remark was a variation on a humorous Chinese expression he has used in public appearances over the years. The nickname “Old Lu” reflects his familiar public identity among many Chinese audiences.
He began studying Chinese language and history in 1976 before entering Australia’s diplomatic service. He later worked in China and continued to draw on his language skills throughout his political and academic career.
Rudd’s ability to speak Mandarin has long distinguished him among international political figures. In speeches and interviews, he often uses Chinese idioms, historical references and wordplay to connect with audiences and explain his views.
The joke at the forum offered a light-hearted opening while underscoring the role that language can play in building connections across cultures.
“Harmony Without Uniformity” Offers a Framework for Managing Differences
During his remarks, Rudd discussed the traditional Chinese concept of “harmony without uniformity,” emphasizing that countries can coexist peacefully without having to become identical.
Countries differ in their political systems, historical experiences and cultural traditions. Their national interests may also diverge, and such differences are unlikely to disappear. Strategic competition, he argued, may continue, but competition does not have to turn into confrontation, and confrontation must not lead to war.
The message highlights the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and risk management in international relations. As global tensions remain complex, governments face the challenge of protecting their interests while avoiding miscalculations that could worsen disputes.
A Longstanding China Observer Who Rejects the Label of “China Expert”
Rudd served as Australia’s prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and has remained active in international affairs and China-related research. In 2023, he became Australia’s ambassador to the United States.
Despite decades of studying China and speaking Mandarin, Rudd has repeatedly resisted describing himself as a definitive China expert. He has argued that China’s long history, linguistic diversity and social complexity make it impossible for any foreign observer to claim complete understanding.
In a recent interview with Chinese media, he reiterated that position, describing his own understanding of China with characteristic modesty and stressing the need for continued study and engagement.
His remarks reflect a broader point about international understanding: language skills and accumulated knowledge are valuable, but they do not eliminate the complexity of another society.
Dialogue Remains Essential to Reducing Misunderstandings
Rudd’s use of Mandarin is more than a demonstration of language ability. It also serves as a means of connecting different cultural perspectives and encouraging communication.
His remarks at the forum brought the traditional idea of “harmony without uniformity” into a contemporary discussion about international relations. The concept offers a way to acknowledge differences without treating them as an unavoidable source of conflict.
At a time when strategic competition and shared global challenges coexist, the ability to communicate, manage risks and maintain peaceful relations remains essential. Rudd’s humorous opening brought warmth to the discussion, while his argument that competition should not become confrontation underscored the importance of dialogue in reducing misunderstandings.
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