Beijing-based Dr Zhong Zhiqing is making a name for herself in the Jewish world. Dr Zhiqing, an associate research professor at the Institute of Foreign Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has completed a PhD in Hebrew literature from Israel’s Ben-Gurion University. She translates Hebrew literature into Chinese, including Israeli author Amos Oz’s works: A Tale of Love and Darkness, Black Box and My Michael.

Dr Zhiqing tells People: “I am very interested in Hebrew literature. In 1995, universities in China and Israel made some academic agreements. Tel Aviv University wanted some Chinese teachers so I went to Israel. When I went back to China I started translating publications.” She met Amos Oz while studying in Israel.

Dr Zhiqing is now researching 20th century Hebrew literature. Her other interests include; comparative Jewish and Chinese literature and culture, literature and national memory, and Holocaust studies. She is involved in the Jewish community in Beijing. She has been working with the Israeli Embassy to organise a conference on Iranian literature later this year.