Philippines and China Argue About the Sea

菲律賓與中國就海域問題產生爭議


Introduction

The Philippines is angry with China. China put a floating building and people at Scarborough Shoal.

菲律賓對中國感到憤怒。中國在黃岩礁部署了浮動建築物及人員。

Main Body

The Philippines saw the building with their ships. They are afraid. They think China wants to build a big island there. China did this before in other parts of the sea.

菲律賓透過船隻發現了該建築物。他們感到擔憂,認為中國想在當地建造一座大島。中國此前在海域的其他部分也曾這樣做。

China says the area is theirs. They say they are doing science work. China does not follow the international law from 2016. They say the law is wrong.

中國聲稱該區域屬於他們,並表示正在進行科學研究。中國不遵守 2016 年的國際法,稱該法律是不正確的。

Other countries also want this sea. Now, Chinese and Philippine ships meet more often. The United States says it will help the Philippines if there is a fight.

其他國家也對這片海域有興趣。目前,中國與菲律賓的船隻相遇得更頻繁。美國表示如果發生衝突,將會協助菲律賓。

Conclusion

Both countries want the land. They may put more soldiers there.

兩國都想要這片土地,可能會向當地部署更多士兵。

Vocabulary Learning

💡 The 'Who Does What' Pattern

Look at these simple sentences from the story:

  • The Philippines saw the building.
  • China says the area is theirs.
  • The United States says it will help.

The Secret: In English, we almost always follow this order: Person/Country \rightarrow Action \rightarrow Thing

Examples from the text:

  1. China (Who) \rightarrow put (Action) \rightarrow a building (Thing).
  2. They (Who) \rightarrow think (Action) \rightarrow China wants to build (Thing).

Quick Tip for A2: If you are lost, just ask: Who is doing the action? Put that word first. Then add the action.

Word Bank for your pocket:

  • Angry \rightarrow Feeling bad/mad.
  • Afraid \rightarrow Feeling scared.
  • Often \rightarrow Many times.

Vocabulary Learning

floating (adj.)
Staying on top of water
Example:The ice is floating in the cold water.
afraid (adj.)
Feeling fear or worry
Example:The small cat is afraid of the big dog.
international (adj.)
Between two or more countries
Example:The airport has many international flights.
law (n.)
A rule made by the government
Example:You must follow the law to stay safe.
soldiers (n.)
People who fight in an army
Example:The soldiers wear green uniforms.
Practice A2 words in a crossword