1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the recent tensions between China and Japan, as the Chinese government has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan, which Japan has viewed as a retaliatory measure. The article explores the ongoing tensions between the two countries and their efforts to stabilize their relationship.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 자제 | jaje | to restrain, to refrain | The Chinese government advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan. |
| 권고 | gwonggo | recommendation, advice | The Chinese government issued a recommendation for its citizens not to go to Japan. |
| 보복 | boboek | retaliation, revenge | Japan viewed the Chinese government’s advice as a retaliatory measure. |
| 조치 | jochi | measure, action | The Chinese government’s advice was seen as a measure of retaliation by Japan. |
| 긴장감 | ginjangam | tension, unease | The two countries’ relationship is expected to maintain a sense of tension for the time being. |
| 보입니다 | boibneunda | to appear, to seem | The relationship between the two countries appears to be tense. |
| 있습니다 | issseumnida | to exist, to be | There is a possibility that Chinese tourists will decrease in Japan. |
| 정부가 | jeonbuga | the government | The Chinese government advised its citizens not to travel to Japan. |
| 중국 | junguk | China | The Chinese government issued the travel advice. |
| 일본 | ilbon | Japan | The Chinese government advised its citizens not to travel to Japan. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
중국 정부가 자국민들에게 일본에 가지 말라고 권고했습니다. 이에 대해 일본에서는 ‘사실상 보복 조치’라는 반응이 나오고 있습니다.
The Chinese government has advised its citizens not to travel to Japan, and Japan has responded by viewing this as a “de facto retaliatory measure.”
두 나라 관계는 당분간 긴장감이 유지될 것으로 보입니다. 중국인이 가장 많이 방문하는 일본에서는 중국 정부의 이번 조치로 인해 중국인 관광객이 줄어들 가능성에 촉각을 곤두세우고 있습니다.
The relationship between the two countries is expected to maintain a sense of tension for the time being. In Japan, where Chinese tourists are the most numerous, there is heightened concern that the Chinese government’s measure may lead to a decrease in Chinese visitors.
중국 정부는 “일본의 치안이 불안정해지고 있으며 중국인을 노린 범죄가 많이 일어나고 있다”고 밝혔지만, 일본 정부는 이에 대해 “근거도 없다”고 지적했습니다.
The Chinese government stated that “Japan’s public order is becoming unstable and crimes targeting Chinese are occurring frequently,” but the Japanese government has pointed out that there is “no evidence” to support this claim.
한편, 일본은 일본산 수산물 수입을 재개하고 일본인에 대한 단기 방문 비자 면제 조치를 연장하는 등 중국과의 관계 안정화를 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
Meanwhile, Japan has been making efforts to stabilize its relationship with China, such as by resuming imports of Japanese seafood and extending the short-term visa exemption for Japanese citizens.
다카이치 총리의 ‘존립위기사태’ 발언은 취소되지 않았지만, 일본 정부는 중국과의 대화를 통해 관계 개선을 모색할 것으로 보입니다.
While the Japanese Prime Minister’s statement about a “crisis situation threatening Japan’s existence” has not been retracted, the Japanese government appears to be seeking to improve relations with China through dialogue.
전반적으로 중·일 양국은 당분간 긴장감을 유지하면서도 관계 안정화를 위해 노력하고 있는 것으로 보입니다.
Overall, China and Japan seem to be maintaining a sense of tension while also making efforts to stabilize their relationship.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What did the Chinese government advise its citizens regarding travel to Japan?
- How did Japan respond to the Chinese government’s travel advice?
- What is the current state of the relationship between China and Japan?
- What measures has Japan taken to stabilize its relationship with China?
- What is the Japanese government’s approach to addressing the tensions with China?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The tensions between China and Japan have a long and complex history, rooted in political, economic, and historical factors. The two countries have had a tumultuous relationship, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation. The current tensions are a reflection of the ongoing geopolitical and economic rivalries between the two Asian powers, which have significant implications for the regional and global dynamics.