Little Progress on Removing Landmines in Myanmar

  Myanmar has the third-highest number of landmine casualties in the world. Only Colombia and Afghanistan have more deaths and injuries from mine explosions. That information comes from the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. The Monitor reported that mines injured 3,745 people in Myanmar between 1999 and 2014. It said 396 of them died from their injuries. As the group noted, “this is believed to be only a small fraction of the actual figure” because the government does not collect information on deaths and injuries from landmines. The Monitor found that in 2014 alone, exploding mines hurt 251 people in Myanmar, also known as Burma. Forty-five of them died from their injuries. In 2013, there were 145 casualties. The group noted that the government and rebel fighters continue to use mines. Yeshua Moser-Puanguswan is the Monitor’s Myanmar researcher. “Mine warfare has consistently been a characteristic of armed conflict in Myanmar. That has not changed,” he said. The group noted that Myanmar has not signed the 1997 Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty. It said in 2014 Myanmar, Syria and North Korea were the only countries “with confirmed new use” of the weapons. Ethnic conflicts have been a problem for years in southeastern Myanmar. Rural areas of Karenni state have some of the highest levels of active mines. The Monitor says the states of Karenni and Karen and the Bago Region are among the most heavily mined areas in the country. Some observers suspect the military deploys mines made in its weapons production centers. They said ethnic rebels use foreign- and locally-made mines as defensive weapons. The devices keep the rebels from being captured by government troops. A government-proposed ceasefire led to a reduction in fighting in the southeast. In September 2015, the government and eight rebel groups agreed to a nationwide ceasefire. But in the north, fighting with the Kachin Independence Army and other groups has increased, and so has the use of landmines. In 2013, the European Union gave $4.6 million to create the Myanmar Mine Action Center, operated by the government. Workers from aid groups then were sent to Myanmar to help with mapping and removal of mines. The workers also helped landmine victims and launched public information campaigns about the issue. In the past, the country’s military rulers had banned such activities. But the government and the military would not let the groups disarm the mines or make maps until ceasefire talks were completed. The 2015 agreement says landmine removal should happen “in accordance with the progress of the peace process.” But since it was signed, the government has yet to approve the disarming of mines. The DanChurchAid Humanitarian Mine Action operates in southeastern Myanmar. “The mine action center has failed completely -- it doesn’t exist,” said the group’s Bjarne Ussing. “A fraction of the (EU) money has been used for some training and cars, a small survey.” He says the language of the ceasefire on mine removal is “vaguely-worded. We will have to see what that means.” He said the lack of progress in disarming mines threatens plans by Myanmar and Thailand to let about 150,000 refugees return home in coming years. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise. Paul Vrieze reported this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   casualty – n. a person who is hurt or killed during an accident or war

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Brazil's Senate Votes to Try Rousseff

The Brazilian Senate voted on Thursday to put President Dilma Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws by 55 votes to 22. Brazil's first woman president will be suspended for up to 180 days. Vice President Michel Temer will become acting president during her trial. Rousseff has been charged with manipulating budget accounts before her re-election in 2014. The manipulation made the country’s economy appear stronger than it was. Rousseff has denied any wrongdoing. Brazil’s lower chamber of Congress voted on April 17 to impeach Rousseff. Earlier this week, however, the acting speaker of the lower chamber of Congress called for a new vote in the impeachment process against Rousseff.  Waldir Maranhao said there were problems with the way the lower chamber voted. Maranhao himself voted against the impeachment process. However, he and Senate leader Renan Calheiros said the debate and vote would go ahead Wednesday as scheduled. The Supreme Court also rejected last-minute efforts by Rousseff and her supporters to delay the Senate vote. The impeachment process comes as Brazil is dealing with a recession, a corruption investigation of top politicians and businessmen, and an outbreak of the Zika virus. The country is set to host the Olympics in August.  

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Over 90 People Killed in Baghdad Bombings

Three bombings across the Iraqi capital Wednesday killed at least 93 people, according to the Associated Press. At least 165 others were reported wounded. The deadliest explosion took place just after sunrise, when many Iraqis were on their way to work.     A car bomb exploded near a market in a Shi'ite city area of Baghdad. The explosion killed at least 63 people and wounded more than 80 others. Several cars and nearby buildings were badly damaged, officials said. The self-declared Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The Sunni Muslim group has carried out similar attacks, often in Shi'ite areas of the city. Islamic State said a suicide bomber carried out the attack. Iraqi officials denied that a suicide bomber was involved. Later on Wednesday, a bombing targeted a police station in the mostly Shi’ite area of Kadhimiya, northwest of central Baghdad. That bombing killed at least 18 people, including five policemen. Over 30 other people were wounded. In northern Baghdad, a suicide attacker set off a car bomb in the Sunni district of Jamiya. That bombing killed at least 12 people and wounded over 40 others. I’m Mehrnoush Karimian.   This report first appeared on VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   kilometers – n. a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters 

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Queen Elizabeth Calls Chinese Officials 'Rude'

  This is What’s Trending Today: When China’s president visited Britain last year, newspapers were filled with predictions of a “golden era” for relations between the two countries. Leaders from both sides talked of a bright future as President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister David Cameron had drinks at a pub. The Chinese delegation visited science, engineering and pop culture sites around London. Everyone had a happy face. But something else apparently happened during the visit. Video recorded on Tuesday during a party at Buckingham Palace tells a different story. The video shows Britain’s Queen Elizabeth calling Chinese officials “very rude to the ambassador.” A video crew records all of Queen Elizabeth’s official events. The recordings are then shared with news agencies. When people looked at the video, they heard an exchange between the Queen and Lucy D’Orsi, a police commander. D’Orsi planned security during the Chinese president’s state visit. D’Orsi is presented to the Queen by The Lord Chamberlain, who is the top officer responsible for Britain’s royal family. He tells the Queen D’Orsi was the commander during the Chinese visit. The Queen responded, “Oh, bad luck.” The Lord Chamberlain said the police commander “was seriously, seriously undermined by the Chinese, but she managed to hold her own and remain in command.” D’Orsi called her experience during the state visit, “quite a testing time for me.” She said the delegation “walked out” on both her, and Ambassador Barbara Woodward. The Queen called the behavior both “rude” and “extraordinary.” Queen Elizabeth's comments were repeated on social media. They were unusual because the 90-year-old ruler almost never comments publicly on political issues. When asked for clarification about what happened last year, both British and Chinese officials said the visit had been successful. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Ashley Thompson.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What do you think of the video showing the Queen and the police commander? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   undermine – v. to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way rude – adj. not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite era – n. period pub – n. a building where alcoholic drinks and often food are served

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NASA Discovers Nearly 1,300 New Planets

  NASA — the U.S. space agency — said it found nearly 1,300 planets outside our solar system. Nine of the planets are orbiting stars at the distance that can support life. NASA said that the Kepler space telescope confirmed the existence of 1,284 planets. This result came from studying more than 4,000 possible planets identified by a statistical analysis. Scientists said the research is important to help them find out whether there is life on other planets. Paul Hertz is NASA’s director of astrophysics. He said, "this gives us hope that somewhere out there, around a star much like ours, we can eventually discover another Earth." He said before the Kepler space telescope launched, scientists did not know whether exoplanets—those outside our solar system—were rare or common in the galaxy. "We now know there could be more planets than stars," Hertz said. He said the information brings humans a little closer to finding out whether they are alone in the universe. To reach this number of planets, scientists looked at thousands of pieces of data. The researchers used a new statistical analysis method to study thousands of candidates in Kepler's database for traits that would establish them as planets. Princeton University's Timothy Morton led the analysis. It involved watching a planet's brightness for changes that would mean it was orbiting its star, the way that Earth circles the sun. The data gave scientists a "planethood probability percentage" to help the experts focus on candidates most likely to turn out to be actual planets. But, with so many objects in space, what makes a planet, a planet? The International Astronomical Union (IAU), approved the first scientific definition of a planet in August 2006. It says the object must have three things to be called a planet. It must orbit its star. Second, it must be big enough that gravity shapes it into a ball. And third, the pull of that gravity must be strong enough to clear small objects out of the way of its orbit. NASA said nearly 550 of the planets were “rocky planets,” somewhat like Earth, based on their size. Nine of those planets were orbiting their suns at the distance that would allow liquid water to pool. That means, they have conditions that would make life possible.  At least, the kind of life that exists here on Earth. Natalie Batalha is Kepler mission scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. She thinks there is life on other planets. "Absolutely, no question," she said. "Why would we be the only ones?" She used a line from the movie "Contact," that astronomer Carl Sagan was supposed to have said. If humans were the only life in the universe, it would be "an awful waste of space." Recently, popular movies like "The Martian" and "Interstellar" have focused on finding new homes for humans in case we destroy Earth. Batalha said she is focused on searching for life, not on finding new homes for humans. "We have so many questions," she said. "Is DNA the only code that sustains life? How does life begin? Questions about the origin of life, why we're here." That new number, 1,284 new planets, makes the idea that we are “alone in the universe” seem more and more unlikely. I’m Anne Ball.   Marissa Melton wrote this story for VOA News. Anne Ball adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on Facebook. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   statistical analysis – n.  a mathematical process used to summarize data trait – n. a quality that makes one person or thing different from another sustain – v. to provide what is needed to exist origin – n. the point or place where something begins or is created  

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Filter Blue Light for Better Sleep

Many people like to use their phones or tablets at night before they go to sleep. However, the light from mobile devices can interfere with sleep. But not all light carries the same risk. Recent studies have shown that within the light spectrum, blue light can have the worst effect on sleep. A study in the UK showed that blue light actually can keep sleepy people awake. Tired drivers who were exposed to blue light became as alert as those who drank two cups of coffee. Blue light filters have been developed for mobile devices to help with sleep issues. Apps are available for Android devices that filter blue light on screens. Updates to the iPhone, iPad and Amazon Fire tablet have added blue light filters. Twilight App - Android Devices Twilight is a free app that filters blue light on Android device screens. It can be set to turn on by itself. Or users can turn it on and off when they want.In the app settings, you can change the intensity of the filter, the color and the time the filter turns on and off. Twilight works across all apps, though some apps may not work fully when Twilight's filter is on. There is a YouTube video that explains Twilight use. ​ Twilight is available free for Android devices in the Google Play store. Night Shift - iPhone and iPad Apple updated its operating system for iPhone and iPad earlier this year. Included in the update is Night Shift, a blue light filter. This feature is available on newer iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 5s and later, and the iPad Air and later. Night Shift can be set to turn itself on every night or for the user to turn it on and off as wanted. To turn on Night Shift automatically every night, go to Settings, then Display, then Brightness and then Night Shift.On the Night Shift settings, move the switch to schedule Night Shift. It can be set for Night Shift to go on and off at specific times, or at sunset and sunrise. In Settings you can also adjust the color of the filter. Night Shift can also be turned on and off in Control Center on the iPhone and iPad. Open Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. The sun and moon icon there identifies Night Shift. Tap it to turn Night Shift on or off at any time.   Blue Shade – Amazon Fire Tablets In an update to Fire tablets at the end of last year, Amazon introduced Blue Shade to filter blue light on screens. Blue Shade is available on more recent Fire tablets. To turn on Blue Shade on a Fire tablet, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Blue Shade. To adjust the color, go to Settings, then Display and, finally, Blue Shade.  I’m Dorothy Gundy. Carolyn Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   mobile - adj. able to move from one place to another spectrum - n. the group of colors that a ray of light can be separated into including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet : the colors that can be seen in a rainbow actually  - adv. used to refer to what is true or real​ expose - v. to cause (someone) to experience something or to be influenced or affected by something alert - adj. able to think clearly and to notice things filter - n. a device that prevents some kinds of light, sound, electronic noises, etc., from passing through​ app - n. a computer program that performs a particular task (such as word processing) screen - n.  the usually flat part of a television or computer monitor that shows the images or text : the part of a television or computer that you look at when you are using it intensity - n. the usually flat part of a television or computer monitor that shows the images or text : the part of a television or computer that you look at when you are using it operating system - n. the main program in a computer that controls the way the computer works and makes it possible for other programs to function schedule - v. to plan (something) at a certain time specific - adj. special or particular​ swipe - v. to make a sweeping stroke introduce - v. to make (something) available for the first time​  

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Bible Event Held at Capitol As Fewer Americans Identify as Religious

Hundreds of Christians gathered recently in front of the United States Capitol building on a cold and rainy day. They began a public reading of their holy book, the Bible. They kept reading for 90 hours. The event is called the U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon. It marks the National Day of Prayer and has been taking place for 27 years. Pastor Jeffrey Light of NOVUM Baptist Church in Reva, Virginia spoke to VOA about the event. He said its goal is to show the importance of religion in American life. "It’s foundational for who we are as human beings to know our purpose, and our purpose comes from our creator," Light said. Few know the part of religion in America better than Alan Cooperman. He leads study of the subject for the Washington-based Pew Research Center. The center did two major studies on religion in the U.S. in 2007 and 2014. The research found that the American public is growing less religious. "The percentage of Americans who say they believe in God has dropped a little," Cooperman told VOA. He explained that the percentage of Americans who say they pray daily has dropped, along with the percentage who say they go to religious services at least once a month. Cooperman said the share of Americans who do not identify with any religion has been rising very quickly. In his words, "It's gone from 7 percent in 2000, 16 percent in 2007, to 23 percent overall today." Cooperman believes the drop in religious involvement reflects a generational change. Young Americans are growing into adulthood with looser ties to religion. The children of today are also less involved in religious activities than the children of past generations. Religion and politics But lawmakers and government officials are more likely to be religious than the general public. Organized faith appears to still play an important part in U.S. politics. More than 90 percent of the United States Congress is Christian compared to 70 percent of the general public. At a recent Senate discussion, members of Congress talked about how they balance faith and politics. Senator James Lankford is a Republican from Oklahoma. He told VOA that faith is “the lens” he looks through. He added, “If it's a faith, it affects everything." Many religions are represented in Congress. Along with Christian legislators are Muslims, Hindus and Jews. There are also some atheist lawmakers.   ‘Overwhelmingly religious’ For Cooperman, even the increasing number non-religious Americans may not be enough to change the role of faith in American life and politics. "…the American public remains overwhelmingly religious," he said. In his words, "It's a very religious country. Three quarters of Americans, about 77 percent of the population, still identify with a religious group." Pastor Jeffrey Light agrees. He said the role of religion will continue to play an important part in this year's presidential election. “For me and those that are seekers of the word of God,” he said, “we will certainly seek a leader who honors God.” I’m Caty Weaver.   Yang Chen and Adrianna Zhang wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Bible – n. the book of writings considered holy by the Christian religion marathon – n. an event or activity that lasts an extremely long time or that requires great effort faith – n. strong belief or trust in someone or something lens ­– n. a clear, curved piece of glass or plastic that is used to make things look clearer reflect – v. to move in one direction, hit a surface and then quickly move in another direction pursue – v. to search for something; to seek or ask for atheist – n. a person who does not believe that God exists

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Should America’s Allies in Asia Have Nuclear Weapons?

Some Americans say the United States should consider providing nuclear arms to Japan and South Korea, America’s closest military allies in Asia. Such Americans could become more influential in U.S. politics if Donald Trump is elected president. Trump has won the largest number of delegates in his attempt to become the Republican Party’s presidential candidate. During the campaign, he has suggested that Japan and South Korea should have the right to arm themselves with nuclear weapons. He has also said the U.S. should consider removing troops from countries that do not agree to pay more for the U.S. military bases on their territory. This has led some people to question America’s desire to guarantee security in East Asia. It has also strengthened the position of those who say America’s Asian allies should have their own nuclear weapons to protect themselves. The United States currently has about 28,500 troops in South Korea and 54,000 in Japan. The Japanese government reportedly pays about $1.6 billion to the United States every year for the military bases in Japan. South Korea pays over $866 million for the U.S. bases on its territory. Some observers say the United States would be in violation of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty if it gave nuclear weapons to its allies. The treaty is designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. Moon Keun-Sik works at the Korea Defense and Security Forum. He says, “If the U.S. allies defend themselves as Trump has said, the alliance will be broken, and it will lead to a nuclear domino (effect) in Asia.” In the 1960s and 1970s, conservatives in Japan and South Korea sought to develop nuclear weapons in the two countries. They were worried about their security because China had developed nuclear weapons. Their worries have increased because of North Korea’s nuclear activities. But the United States has been able to persuade its allies in Asia to stay under the protection of the American “nuclear umbrella.” However, Trump’s threat to remove U.S. troops from Asia could increase the power of minority voices in Japan’s Parliament and South Korea’s National Assembly. Those lawmakers say their countries should not depend on the United States for protection. In January, North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test. Reaction came quickly from Won Yoo-chul, the South Korean National Assembly floor leader for the ruling party. He said, “in the face of the North’s fearsome, destructive nuclear weaponry, the time has come for us to have a peaceful nuclear program for self-defense.” Hiroshi Nunokawais teaches at Hiroshima University in Japan. He said, “If Trump’s statements become a reality, there will be politicians that will agree and a lot will be enthusiastic, I believe.” Takashi Hiraoka is a peace activist and a former mayor of Hiroshima -- the first city to be attacked by a nuclear weapon. He said that if Trump “becomes president, he has to take responsibility for the fate of humankind. He cannot avoid the dangers associated with nuclear weapons.” Arming South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons would likely increase tensions in East Asia. It would also end any support from China and Russia for international action as a way to pressure North Korea to end its nuclear program. While Trump is just a candidate and not yet president, his words are having an effect in Asia. Some people believe what he says could weaken the trust people have in America’s commitment to the area, even if Trump does not intend for that to be the result of his statements. Daniel Pinkston teaches international relations at Troy University in Seoul. He says “these types of statements and behavior are already doing damage. It is already undermining confidence of the U.S. in East Asia, and in Japan and South Korea in particular.” I’m Jonathan Evans.   VOA’s Brian Padden reported this story from Seoul. Producer Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to the report. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   domino effect – n. a situation in which one event causes a series of (sometimes similar) events to happen one after another umbrella – n. (used figuratively) protection conduct – n. to plan and do (something, such as an activity) commitment – n. the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something; a promise to do or give something undermine – v. to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective, often in a secret or gradual way  

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Taiwan Considers Changes to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

Taiwan’s lawmakers are debating whether to remove one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions -- a memorial to Chiang Kai-shek. A 6-meter-tall statue of Chiang Kai-shek has been in the capital city of Taipei since 1980. More than 7 million people, including people from other countries, visited the memorial and nearby buildings in 2015. Chiang ruled Taiwan from the mid-1940s until his death in 1975. His Nationalist Party ruled all of China until it lost the civil war to the Communists led by Mao Zedong. Chiang and his supporters then fled to Taiwan. Re-examining Chiang Kai-shek Chiang placed Taiwan under martial law in 1949. It ended in 1987, 12 years after he died. During campaigns to end opposition to Nationalist rule under Chiang, thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands were imprisoned. In February, Nationalists lost control of parliament. They will lose the presidency later this month. The Nationalists’ loss of power to the Democratic Progressive Party means it will be easier for the DPP and its supporters in parliament to consider making changes to the Chiang monument. Hsu Yung-ming is a legislator from a minority party. He led a legislative meeting -- called a hearing -- about the memorial recently. “I believe a lot of people think it should be redone, as this memorial honors Chiang Kai-shek and…to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek I think is strange, as there are a lot of things for which he needs to take responsibility,” he said. Legislators are considering changing the memorial into an archive for all Taiwanese presidents. Other possible changes include making it a place to honor protest movements or one that shows the pain caused by Taiwan’s authoritarian history. Some legislators want some or all of the memorial to be destroyed. But others fear such an action would divide Taiwan. Some defend Chiang Some Taiwanese still consider Chiang’s role in history so important that his statue should not be removed from the center in Taipei. Some people believe his fight against Mao Zedong kept the island from being ruled by the communists. Joanna Lei leads the Chunghua 21st Century Think Tank in Taiwan. Lei says changing the memorial would be “a highly political- and ideologically-driven move by the new [Democratic Progressive Party] to eradicate all records, especially the records of Chiang Kai-shek, who brought lots of people from mainland China to Taiwan. So if they are trying to gradually phase out the connection with mainland China, then (removing) the roots would be a very important political move.” Memorials and statues There are many memorials to Chiang in parks and public schools throughout Taiwan. Many of them are statues made of bronze or stone that show him smiling and wearing military clothing. The Taipei Times newspaper estimated that in 2000 there were 43,000 Chiang statues in the country. When the Democratic Progressive Party was in power from 2000 to 2008, it removed Chiang’s name from the center in Taipei where the large statue sits. The decision was supported by many people in Taiwan. In 2014, high school activists asked to have Chiang statues removed from their schools. And people sometimes damage Chiang statues in public places. I’m Mario Ritter.   Ralph Jennings reported this story from Taipei. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   memorial – n. something (such as a monument or ceremony) that honors a person who has died or serves as a reminder of an event in which many people died martial law – n. control of an area by military forces rather than by the police commemorate – v. to do something special in order to remember and honor (an important event or person from the past) authoritarian – adj. expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws; not allowing personal freedom eradicate – v. to remove (something) completely phase out – v. to stop using, making or doing (something) gradually over a period of time  

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May 11, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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China Criticizes U.S. for Sending Navy Ship to Disputed Area in South China Sea

China sent fighter jets into the air on Tuesday after a U.S. Navy ship sailed close to a disputed area in the South China Sea. The U.S. Defense Department said the USS William P. Lawrence, a guided missile destroyer, traveled within 22 kilometers of Chinese-occupied Fiery Cross Reef. A Defense Department official said the Navy carried out the operation to “challenge excessive maritime claims” by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. He accused them of seeking to restrict the movement of shipping and aircraft in the area. China’s Defense Ministry said two fighter jets and three warships followed the U.S. ship, telling it to leave. Chinese officials denounced the U.S. action as an illegal threat to peace. They said it showed China’s defensive positions in the area were necessary. China claims most of the South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the waterway. Tensions over the competing claims are expected to be discussed when U.S. President Barack Obama visits Vietnam later this month. His administration is currently re-examining the U.S. ban on arms shipments to the country. The arms embargo has been in effect for over 30 years. In 2014, the U.S. partially eased the embargo to enable shipments of materials only relating to maritime security. Now, the Obama administration is considering a total lifting of the arms ban as a sign of trust and developing ties between the two countries. Vietnam has long sought a complete removal of the ban. Such a step would signal a historic move away from a remaining remnant of Vietnam War era hostility. The United States reestablished full diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1995. The current ban on non-maritime lethal weapons shipments to Vietnam “can be modified to reflect changing circumstances,” according to U.S. official David McKeeby. He is a spokesman for the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. McKeeby told VOA that administration officials will closely consult with Congress on any proposed changes. He also said Vietnam’s human rights record will be an “essential element” when making any policy decision. U.S. and Vietnamese officials are meeting this week to prepare for Obama’s visit. The State Department said the U.S. officials are noting that Vietnam should make progress on human rights if it wants to improve ties. The department cited progress made by the Vietnamese government in some of its human rights practices. But it also pointed out violations and abuses, including political restrictions and arbitrary arrests and detentions.  Murray Hiebert is a Vietnam expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). There is currently “quite a bit of discussion” happening between the two sides, he said. Hiebert added that Vietnam is cooperating with the United States on issues such as maritime security “in the context of China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.” But even if the arms embargo is lifted, Hiebert said, this does not mean Vietnam will actually be permitted to buy specific items. The United States could still reject individual arms transfer requests if there are serious human rights violations, he said. One Vietnamese official recently predicted there would be “favorable conditions” in the coming years that “should allow the countries to increase defense cooperation.” The comments by the Deputy Director of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lai Thai Binh, were published in a report for the CSIS Pacific Forum. He added that Washington and Hanoi currently share “strategic interests in handling the South China Sea.” I’m Bryan Lynn.   Nike Chang reported this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and post on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   embargo – n. an official ban on trade with a particular country maritime – adj. relating to the sea, especially relating to commercial or military activity remnant – n. a small remaining amount of something when other parts are gone modify – v. to make small changes to something to improve it consult – v. to seek advice or have discussions with others enact – v. to approve a piece of legislation to become law arbitrary – adj. based on a random or personal choice, rather than reason assertiveness – n. the act of being confident and forceful

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