🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Recently, the presidents of the United States and China, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, held an important meeting in South Korea. The main goal was to discuss the ongoing trade tensions between the two powerful nations. Over the past few years, these tensions have affected global markets, causing uncertainty and concern among businesses and governments worldwide.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to reduce these tensions. One of the key outcomes was a mutual decision to pause the imposition of new tariffs. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and they can make products more expensive for consumers. By deciding not to add more tariffs, both countries hope to ease the situation and create a more stable economic environment.
The trade war began in 2018, when the US accused China of unfair trade practices, including the theft of intellectual property. In response, the US imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and China retaliated with its own tariffs on American products. This situation has led to increased costs for businesses and consumers in both countries.
In their meeting, Trump and Xi also discussed ways to improve their economic relationship further. They talked about the possibility of increasing trade in certain sectors, such as technology and agriculture. Both leaders expressed optimism that these discussions could lead to a more balanced and fair trade relationship.
The outcome of this meeting is significant not only for the US and China but also for the global economy. Many countries depend on trade with these two economic giants, so any changes in their relationship can have wide-reaching effects. By agreeing to dial down the tensions, Trump and Xi have provided a sense of relief to the global market.
Moving forward, it will be important for both countries to continue their dialogue and work towards a long-term agreement. This could help prevent future conflicts and ensure a more stable and prosperous global economy.
📝 Vocabulary
- tension: a state of mental or emotional strain
例文: “The tension between the two countries has been rising.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- relieve tension
- create tension
- tension rises
緊張 - tariff: a tax on imports or exports
例文: “The government imposed tariffs on several imported goods.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- impose tariffs
- lift tariffs
- tariff barriers
関税 - impose: to establish or apply as compulsory
例文: “The school will impose new rules next year.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- impose rules
- impose sanctions
- impose a fine
課す - retaliate: to return an attack or injury
例文: “The country decided to retaliate after the attack.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- retaliate against
- retaliate with
- retaliate by
報復する - mutual: shared by two or more parties
例文: “They reached a mutual agreement.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- mutual agreement
- mutual benefit
- mutual interest
相互の
✏️ Grammar Point
Past Simple Tense – “The trade war began in 2018, when the US accused China of unfair trade practices.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
過去の出来事や状況を説明するときに使用されます。例えば、ビジネスのプレゼンテーションで過去の業績を説明する際に使います。
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: Both leaders agreed to increase tariffs during their meeting.
- MCQ: Where did the meeting between Trump and Xi take place?
a) Japan
b) South Korea
c) China
d) United States - MCQ: What was one of the key outcomes of the meeting?
a) Imposing new sanctions
b) Increasing tariffs
c) Pausing new tariffs
d) Reducing trade
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b)
- c)
📚 Reading Questions
- What was the main goal of the meeting between Trump and Xi?
- Why is the outcome of the meeting significant for the global economy?
- What does the word “retaliated” mean in the context of the trade war?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- To discuss and reduce trade tensions
- Because it affects global markets and economies
- To respond or fight back
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
米国と中国の両国は、過去数年間にわたる貿易摩擦を軽減するため、韓国で重要な会談を行いました。貿易戦争は2018年に始まり、米国が中国の不公正な貿易慣行を非難し、関税を課したのが発端です。中国も報復措置を取り、両国間で商取引のコストが増加しました。今回の会談では、追加関税を停止することで合意し、両国の経済関係を改善するための対話を続ける意向を示しました。この合意は、貿易に依存する他国にとっても安心材料となり、世界経済に安定をもたらす可能性があります。
