🎧 Audio
📖 Script
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has assured South-East Asian countries that Australia will be a dependable ally. She emphasized that Australia is committed to keeping its markets open to these countries, even as they face challenges due to policy changes from the United States. Recently, the Trump administration has announced cuts in aid and imposed new tariffs, which are types of taxes on imported goods. These actions have raised concerns among Asian nations about their economic stability and future trade relationships.
Minister Wong’s statement comes at a crucial time. Many countries in the region depend heavily on trade with larger economies like the United States. The sudden policy changes under the Trump administration have led to uncertainties, making it essential for these nations to look for stable and reliable partners. By offering reassurance, Australia is positioning itself as a supportive friend, ready to work closely with its neighbors in these uncertain times.
Australia’s promise to maintain open markets means it will continue to buy and sell goods with South-East Asian countries without imposing restrictive tariffs. This approach aims to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual growth. Such cooperation is vital for the region, especially when global trade dynamics are rapidly changing.
Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with South-East Asian nations aligns with Australia’s broader foreign policy goals. As a part of the Asia-Pacific region, Australia recognizes the importance of regional stability and prosperity. By supporting its neighbors, Australia hopes to foster a peaceful and economically healthy environment that benefits everyone involved.
Minister Wong’s commitment underscores Australia’s dedication to being a reliable partner in times of uncertainty. As countries navigate the complex landscape of international trade, having stable partners like Australia can make a significant difference in ensuring economic resilience and growth.
📝 Vocabulary
- reliable: consistently good in quality or performance
例文: “My car is very reliable and rarely breaks down.”
▼ Collocationsを見る
- reliable source
- reliable partner
- reliable service
▼ 日本語の意味を見る
信頼できる - tariff: a tax on imports or exports
例文: “The government imposed a new tariff on imported electronics.”
▼ Collocationsを見る
- impose a tariff
- tariff rate
- tariff policy
▼ 日本語の意味を見る
関税 - ally: a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose
例文: “The country is a close ally of the United States.”
▼ Collocationsを見る
- military ally
- political ally
- strong ally
▼ 日本語の意味を見る
同盟国 - emphasize: to give special importance to something
例文: “The teacher emphasized the importance of studying every day.”
▼ Collocationsを見る
- emphasize a point
- emphasize the importance
- emphasize a fact
▼ 日本語の意味を見る
強調する - stability: the state of being stable, not changing
例文: “Economic stability is crucial for growth.”
▼ Collocationsを見る
- political stability
- economic stability
- maintain stability
▼ 日本語の意味を見る
安定
✏️ Grammar Point
Future Simple Tense – “Australia will be a dependable ally.”
▼ 文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
未来の計画や予測を話す時に使われます。
📝 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: Penny Wong promised South-East Asian nations that Australia will be a reliable partner.
- MCQ: What has the Trump administration recently done that affects South-East Asian countries?
a) Increased aid
b) Cut aid and imposed tariffs
c) Opened more markets
d) Signed new trade agreements - MCQ: Why is Australia offering to keep its markets open to South-East Asian countries?
a) To compete with the US
b) To strengthen economic ties
c) To increase tariffs
d) To reduce imports
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- True
- b) Cut aid and imposed tariffs
- b) To strengthen economic ties
📚 Reading Questions
- What promise did Penny Wong make to South-East Asian nations?
- Why might South-East Asian countries be concerned about the US policy changes?
- What does the word “reliable” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- Penny Wong promised that Australia will be a reliable partner with open markets.
- They might be concerned about economic stability and future trade relationships.
- Consistently good in quality or performance.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
オーストラリアの外務大臣ペニー・ウォン氏は、東南アジア諸国に対し、オーストラリアが信頼できるパートナーであることを約束しました。トランプ政権による援助削減と関税の導入が地域経済に影響を与える中、オーストラリアは市場を開放し続け、経済的な安定を支援することを誓っています。これにより、オーストラリアは地域の安定と成長を促進し、将来的にはより強固な経済的・政治的関係を築くことを目指しています。
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-10/foreign-minister-penny-wong-asean-comments/105518328
