australia's prime minister speaks fluent mandarin

Just in case you haven't heard, Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, speaks fluent Chinese.

This is awesome:

Approximate translation: "Greetings. On behalf of the Australian government, I extend to the Chinese people blessings for the Spring Festival. I hope that, in the Year of the Ox, the friendship between Australia and China can become one step closer. Although the world's economy is currently experiencing difficulty, I believe that, with cooperative effort, each country can certainly be victorious over this challenge. With the New Year, I wish the Chinese people health and success. Thanks, and all the best."

Via Evan Osnos via Shanghaiist.