Jack of Harts

Most ethnic Chinese in Vancouver already knew how to speak English when the Second Great Depression hit. And most of those who managed to escape fallen Taiwan had learned English in school. So when the Free Republic of China joined the British Commonwealth, it was easy for them to shift their official government records into English to better coordinate with allied states. English has become a primary language spoken throughout Free China in the centuries since. All public business is conducted in English, and speaking in English is in fact a sign that the conversation is designed to be public. They reserve Chinese primarily for family matters, most often in the home. It is considered rude to speak Chinese amongst foreigners, though parents will scold their misbehaving children in Chinese. At which point, everyone in earshot is expected to not understand a single word the parent says, since it is a private conversation. The primary usage of Chinese in the public square is when performing great ceremonies, which they do with relish and pride. With immediate translations to English or whatever other language is required, of course.