In 2007 Chinese diplomats at a reception nearly choked on their canapes when Mr Rudd, then leader of the opposition, made a speech in faultless Mandarin.

• 2007年的一次招待会上，中国外交官们几乎被开胃点心噎个半死，因为时任反对党领袖的陆先生居然用完美的普通话发表演讲。