VOA慢速英语--Trump Defends Nationalism in Speech to UN

 

American President Donald Trump¹ told the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday that the United States does not seek conflict with any other nation.

Trump added that he will not be slow to defend America’s interests.

He said, “The United States, after having spent $2.5 trillion since my re-election to rebuild our great military, is also by far the world’s most powerful nation. Hopefully it will never have to use this power.”

Trump described the government of Iran as one of the world’s greatest threats. He said that Iran oppresses its citizens at home while fueling conflicts and terrorism in other areas. He said that as long as this continues, U.S. restrictions² against Iran will remain in force.

However, Trump also noted³ that some historical enemies of the U.S. are now close friends. “The United States has never believed in permanent enemies. We want partners…,” he said.

Trade war

The American president also had strong words for China. He said that China would no longer be permitted to “game” the international trade system.

The U.S. trade war with China could affect Trump’s hopes of being re-elected next year. Some of his comments appeared to be directed at American voters.

“The American people are absolutely committed to restoring balance to our relationship with China,” he said. “But as I have made very clear, I will not accept a bad deal for the American people.”

Trump said the American government is also watching China’s actions in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy demonstrations⁴ have turned violent.

Warns migrants

Trump raised another issue that is important to his supporters: the flow of undocumented migrants into the United States. He urged Central Americans against leaving their home countries and unlawfully crossing the U.S. border.

Trump accused activists⁵ and non-governmental organizations of supporting illegal migration⁶. He called their policies cruel, evil and unjust.

He thanked Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for sending 27,000 troops to his country’s northern border to stop migrants from entering the United States.

“Mexico is showing us great respect and I respect them in return,” Trump said.

The president also sent warnings to leaders in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.

Trump only briefly⁷ noted his diplomatic efforts with North Korea. He did not say when he might meet again with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

I’m Caty Weaver⁸.

Words in This Story

game – v. to play or influence something in an unfair way

absolutely – adv. completely; totally

committed – v. feeling loyalty to a cause

1 trump   

n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭

参考例句：

• He was never able to trump up the courage to have a showdown.他始终鼓不起勇气摊牌。
• The coach saved his star player for a trump card.教练保留他的明星选手，作为他的王牌。

2 restrictions   

约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则）

参考例句：

• I found the restrictions irksome. 我对那些限制感到很烦。
• a snaggle of restrictions 杂乱无章的种种限制

3 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

4 demonstrations   

证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威

参考例句：

• Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. 讲课中将不时插入实际示范。
• The new military government has banned strikes and demonstrations. 新的军人政府禁止罢工和示威活动。

5 activists   

n.（政治活动的）积极分子，活动家( activist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• His research work was attacked by animal rights activists . 他的研究受到了动物权益维护者的抨击。
• Party activists with lower middle class pedigrees are numerous. 党的激进分子中有很多出身于中产阶级下层。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 migration   

n.迁移，移居，（鸟类等的）迁徙

参考例句：

• Swallows begin their migration south in autumn.燕子在秋季开始向南方迁移。
• He described the vernal migration of birds in detail.他详细地描述了鸟的春季移居。

7 briefly   

adv.简单地，简短地

参考例句：

• I want to touch briefly on another aspect of the problem.我想简单地谈一下这个问题的另一方面。
• He was kidnapped and briefly detained by a terrorist group.他被一个恐怖组织绑架并短暂拘禁。

8 weaver   

n.织布工；编织者

参考例句：

• She was a fast weaver and the cloth was very good.她织布织得很快，而且布的质量很好。
• The eager weaver did not notice my confusion.热心的纺织工人没有注意到我的狼狈相。