Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. dispute (n.) [dih-spyoot] – a misunderstanding or disagreement
Example: The dispute over
money caused problems in the company.
2. minister (n.) [min-uh-ster] – a person chosen by a government to be the
head of a specific department
Example: The Minister of
Education started projects for public schools.
3. stake out a claim (idiom) [steyk] [out] [uh] [kleym] – to say that you own something
Example: I found this pen so
I’m staking out a claim on it.
4. surveillance (n.) [ser-vey-luhns] – a watch or observation of something or
someone
Example: To prevent robbers
from stealing, surveillance cameras are attached all over the building.
5. impending (adj.) [im-pen-ding] – about to happen, usually something that
is threatening or dangerous
Example: The black clouds
signal an impending storm.
Article
Read the text below.
China
promised its neighbouring countries that they will maintain peace and order in
the South China Sea region where a strong dispute over
its oil remains a threat.
China’s
Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said
that even though their economy and military power are strong, they will not
attempt to threaten nearby countries—namely, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan,
Brunei and Malaysia—which are all staking out a claim on an area in the South China Sea mainly for its rich
oil deposits.
Recently,
Vietnam reported an incident in which the surveillance cables of their ship used for searching oil deposits
were cut. Another similar incident happened to a Philippine vessel. The said
vessel was confronted by Chinese ships during an exploration. Philippine
President Benigno Aquino fears that the disputes between countries might ‘spur
a regional arms race’.
Likewise,
the US government worries about the impending danger caused by the misunderstanding between the
countries involved. In 2010, Senator Hillary Clinton said that the problem in
South China Sea is a matter that concerns the US government as well.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
do you think are the advantages and disadvantages if the South China Sea
remains to be unclaimed?
· Among
the countries staking out a claim on the said area, which country or countries
do you think should have it?
Discussion B
·
What
is the reason why countries should have strong military power?
·
Do
you think it is right for countries to build their military strength? Why?
