China-Taiwan Relations: What to Expect in 2018

  As a stalemate between China and Taiwan continues, experts say China’s government may seek new efforts in 2018 to try to restart negotiations. Officials from both countries recently named some of the issues they expect to be important in the coming year. A statement from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office says the government will continue to emphasize its long-held one-China policy. Chinese officials have said acceptance of this policy is a condition for negotiations. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen rejects that idea, however. China considers Taiwan a rebel province and believes it must eventually be reunified with China, even if by force. Public opinion studies show most Taiwanese oppose unification. China’s official Xinhua news agency reported the Taiwan Affairs Office described China-Taiwan relations in 2017 as “complex and severe.” The office said it would oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence” in the coming year, Xinhua said.   Tsai, a former law scholar, has said she seeks continued cooperation with China and a peaceful relationship. But she has also promised to strongly defend the country’s security and political system. During a year-end press conference, Tsai said that as president, she is “responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability.” She said Taiwan is currently part of an “unpredictable geopolitical environment.” Among the conditions creating this environment, she said, are the growing number of Chinese military activities in the air and at sea. “China's intention to expand their military presence in the region has become increasingly evident.” She added that other security issues in the area include increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Tsai said Taiwan has been expanding and upgrading its military capabilities in recent years as a result. She said it is important for the country to be able to depend on its own military. She also called for respect in future relations with China and promised not to take a “reckless” path.     Many experts say the president’s Democratic Progressive Party will delay making changes to its China policy until after local elections in late 2018. Wu Chung-li is a political science research fellow at Taipei-based university Academia Sinica. He says voters who do not agree with China policy changes might choose opposition candidates, some of whom might favor Taiwan’s legal independence from China. Wu said he believes Taiwan’s government sees improving ties with China as an issue of top importance. “But the ruling party is also kidnapped by the local elections. I really don’t know how they can make any change,” he added. Gratiana Jung is a political researcher with the Yuanta-Polaris Research Institute in Taipei. She says she thinks China might decide to use more “creative” means in 2018 to pressure Taiwan to return to talks and accept its one-China position. This could include increases in Chinese military planes circling Taiwan in a show of force, Jung said. She added that Chinese officials could also attempt to limit Taiwan’s overseas diplomacy. China currently has more than 170 diplomatic allies, compared to Taiwan’s 20. I’m Bryan Lynn. Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional information from Reuters, Xinhua news agency and other sources.  Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story stalemate – n. dispute in which parties cannot come to agreement emphasize – v. give special attention to something sovereignty – n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself maintain – v. to continue something that has been started regional – adj. relating to a specific area stability – n. continuous state of something, not easily changed geopolitical – adj. relating to the political and geographic parts of something intention – n. something you plan to do or achieve reckless – adj. doing something dangerous and not caring about what might happen  

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News Words: Ordinary

This news word is from a story about puppies.

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January 4, 2018

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

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How Will Machines and AI Change the Future of Work?

  Several recent studies examined how machine automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of work. Some estimates predict these technologies could displace up to 30 percent of workers worldwide by 2030. One study was published by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international company providing financial and tax services. It predicted about 38 percent of American jobs could be at high risk for automation by the early 2030s. In Germany, up to 35 percent of jobs could be at risk. The company said about 30 percent could be affected in Britain and 21 percent in Japan. The risk of being displaced will greatly increase for workers with less education, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. It estimated that in Britain, up to 46 percent of workers without a college degree could be at risk due to automation. This would drop to about 12 percent for workers with undergraduate degrees or higher. “New smart machines have the potential to replace our minds and to move around freely in the world,” the study said. It added that the greatest job displacement is expected to come in the areas of transportation, storage, manufacturing and retail. The Rand Corporation recently issued its own report on the future effects of automation and AI on jobs and the workplace. Osonde Osoba was a co-author of the report. He noted that fears over machines taking jobs from humans goes back centuries. In 16th century England, Queen Elizabeth famously refused an inventor’s request for a patent for a device to make material for clothing. The Queen explained that the device would lead to major job losses, forcing affected workers to become “beggars.”  Osoba agrees there will be major job disruptions due to AI and automation, especially for lower skilled workers. But he told VOA he believes the future problems have been overestimated without historical evidence to back up the predictions.    “It’s not so much that the jobs are getting displaced, it’s more like tasks are getting displaced and jobs are reconfiguring over time to account for that automation.” He added that it will be very difficult for companies to completely automate most jobs, because they require a worker to perform many different duties and to react to unexpected situations. The RAND report identifies three job types that will be very difficult to replace with a machine. These include jobs depending on human motor skills, positions requiring creative thinking and actions, and jobs dealing with intense social interaction.    There are recent examples of companies like Google and Facebook using AI to limit certain kinds of content. Osoba says this can be problematic for machines, which do not understand cultural norms in the population. “So that understanding of cultural norms, or social norms or ethical norms, that’s not something that’s easy – at least so far we haven’t found that easy to program into artificial intelligence.”   The McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, has also studied the issue. Its research suggests that up to one-third of work activities across 46 nations could be displaced by 2030. The organization’s report predicts automation could force 75 million to 375 million workers into new job areas by 2030.  McKinsey identified several jobs that will not be easily replaceable by machines. These include health-care providers, engineers, scientists, accountants, technology experts and managers. It also predicted rising demand for educators, and “creatives,” a group of workers including artists, performers and entertainers. The study said automation will also raise productivity and economic growth. It said this growth – along with other economic influences - could help offset the displacement of millions of workers. “All workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines,” the report said. McKinsey says this will require ongoing retraining of workers. In addition, employees will be spending more time on activities difficult to automate. This includes tasks requiring emotional, creative and cognitive skills, the study said. Rand Corporation’s Osonde Osoba agrees. He says workers will increasingly have to be willing and prepared to regularly change jobs and roles to keep up with technology. “If you are thinking about concrete things an individual might do to prepare themselves, I guess being more adaptable, being more flexible, being able to reeducate yourself to fit into a different job.” He added that there will be a great need in the future for many more AI developers and researchers. For this reason, he suggests young people interested in these areas start their career paths early to prepare for these high-paying, competitive jobs.      I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   displace – v. force people to move from one place, job, etc. to another retail – n. the activity of selling products to the public patent – n. official document giving a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time beggar – n. person who lives by asking people to give them money, food, etc. disruption – n. causing something to be unable to continue in the normal way reconfigure – v. change the way something is arranged or prepared filter – v. remove something unwanted ethical – adj. involving questions of right and wrong behavior evolve – v. to develop or make something develop over time cognitive – adj. of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities concrete – adj. of or related to a real thing, people or actions flexible – adj. able to easily change or adapt to a situation  

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Iran's Islamic Republic Faces Protests

Supporters of Iran’s government held demonstrations in cities across the country Wednesday following days of anti-government protests. Iranian state television showed video of crowds waving Iranian flags and expressing support for Iran’s top leader. Later in the day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the anti-government protests were at an end. At least 21 people have died in the unrest over the past week. Many of the anti-government protesters are angry about high unemployment and inflation. These conditions have continued even after the end of international sanctions in 2015. Those measures were designed to punish Iran for its nuclear activities. In exchange for limits on its nuclear program, international powers cancelled trade restrictions and released billions of dollars of Iranian money. But critics say the current president, Hassan Rouhani, has failed to use the money to improve the country’s economy. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, blamed other governments for problems in the country. “In recent days, enemies of Iran used different tools, including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles for the Islamic Republic,” he said. The Islamic Republic in Iran Iran’s form of government is called an Islamic Republic. The republic is led by a president, who is directly elected by voters. But in Iran, the position of Supreme Leader is above the president. The position is given to an Islamic scholar. The Supreme Leader has power to appoint top government officials. They include commanders of the armed forces, the head of state radio and television, and members of national security councils. The Supreme Leader also can make appointments to the Assembly of Experts. They form a group of experts who are knowledgeable in Islamic law, known as Sharia. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the second man to hold the position since Iran declared itself an Islamic Republic in 1979. The first, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, took power during the Iranian revolution, which ousted the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Khomeini ruled until his death in 1989. The Supreme Leader can use his powers to design and supervise the general policies of the Islamic Republic. He can order special elections on important issues. He has powers over the armed forces. He can take command of the military or solve disputes between branches of the military. In addition, the Supreme Leader has powers to approve election results, pardon or reduce sentences of people jailed for crimes and to approve the removal of a president. In short, Iran’s Supreme Leader makes final decisions on the economy, environment, foreign policy, education, population growth and elections. However, he is not directly elected. The president of Iran is directly elected to a four-year term and is limited to two terms. However, he must answer to the Supreme Leader. Rouhani is considered a moderate who supports improved ties with the West. He was elected to his second term in 2017. He follows Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who was considered a conservative. Iran’s president leads the executive branch of government and can choose a cabinet with approval from parliament. He is deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He also can declare emergencies or military rule. The president also leads the National Security Council and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. The Islamic Consultative Assembly is Iran’s lawmaking body. The assembly has 290 members. They can create propose and approve legislation so long as it is not in conflict with Islamic teachings. The Assembly can investigate issues affecting the nation and approve international treaties. It also can put questions to the president and hold a vote of confidence on the president’s election. Reports note that the anti-government protests appear to be directed at Iran’s top leaders. Many of the protesters consider Rouhani corrupt. They also blame the Supreme Leader for the country’s condition. The protesters say Iran should spend less money in places like Syria and Lebanon. Instead, they want more done to create jobs, to improve the economy and to limit corruption. Some experts say women are taking part in the protests to call for equal rights. I’m Ashley Thompson. And I'm Mario Ritter. Marissa Melton reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter 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 visit our Facebook page.​ _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sanctions – n. measures taken against a country to cause it to obey international rules usually by limiting trade apparatus – n. an organization or system that operates something or carries out a broad task scholar – n. a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it cash – n. ready money branch – n. a part of a larger organization; an extension of a tree executive – adj. of or relating to the direction of people of things confidence – n. a feeling that you can do something well  

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Peruvian Writers Speak Out Against Fujimori Pardon

  More than 230 Peruvian writers have signed a letter rejecting the pardon of former President Alberto Fujimori. The letter criticizes current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski for offering the pardon, announced on December 24. Alfredo Bryce Echenique, Fernando Iwasaki and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa spoke out in the letter. Kuczynski said he extended the pardon for humanitarian reasons linked to Fujimori’s poor health. The former leader had been serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses and other charges. The letter says Fujimori was responsible for a government overthrow and destruction of the country’s institutions. It says the pardon “demonstrates a lack of appreciation for dignity, for equality before the law, and the right to remember wrongdoing.” It also describes the pardon as a dangerous agreement between political forces hoping to control corruption cases that involve them. In addition, Vargas Llosa wrote a commentary in El Pais, the most widely read newspaper in Spain. He said the people who voted for Kuczynski had unknowingly helped return power to Fujimori. He added that the pardon makes Kuczynski a partner and hostage of Fujimori. The former president was found guilty of human rights violations, corruption, and approving of death squads during his time in office from 1990 to 2000. Some Peruvians honor Fujimori for fighting rebels. Others say he was a corrupt dictator. The pardon has led to protests in Lima, the Peruvian capital. Opponents of Fujimori were waving pictures of people imprisoned or killed during his rule. Police fired tear gas at the crowds December 24. Two days later, the 79-year-old Fujimori asked the public for forgiveness. In a Facebook video filmed from his hospital bed, Fujimori said, "I am aware that the results of my government were well received on one side, but I admit that I have let down other compatriots, and I ask them to forgive me with all my heart." Fujimori thanked Kuczynski for the pardon and said that, as a free man, he would support the president's calls for greater unity in the country. Fujimori was taken to the hospital December 23 after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and an abnormal heartbeat. Some say Fujimori was acting sick in order to get a pardon. His doctor denies the accusations. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Melissa Melton wrote this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   institution – n. an established organization appreciation – n. a feeling of being grateful for something dignity – n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect death squad – n. an armed group formed to kill particular people, especially political opponents aware – adj. knowing that something exists compatriot – n. a person from the same country as someone else

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Extreme Cold Affecting Many Areas Across US

  Extremely cold weather is a problem in many parts of the United States. The Associated Press reported Wednesday that record-setting temperatures have been blamed for at least 12 deaths in recent weeks. Some forecasters say the worst weather is yet to come. On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service announced wind chill advisories and freeze warnings for 40 of the 50 states. The weather service predicted a “period of much-below-normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills to the central and eastern U.S. over the next week.” Air temperatures fell to -13 Celsius near Cullman, Alabama, which usually has a mild winter. In the port of Mobile, Alabama, temperatures reached as low as -7 Celsius. City officials opened warming shelters across the southern United States, as the cold weather brought light snow as far south as Austin, Texas. On Wednesday, a winter storm dropped snow, sleet and freezing rain from northern Florida up the Southeast coast. Some cities reported snowfall for the first time in over 20 years. Cars spun out of control on icy roads from Texas to Georgia. Hospitals across the country are reporting an increase in emergency room visits for hypothermia and other conditions linked to extreme cold. The record-setting cold weather began in the central U.S. early last week. Omaha, Nebraska, broke a 130-year record when temperatures fell to -29 Celsius. The city of Aberdeen, South Dakota broke a 99-year record with temperatures of -36 Celsius. In Florida, several water parks closed because of the cold weather. New York’s Hudson River froze in some parts, forcing officials to cancel passenger ferry service. At Niagara Falls, people took photographs of the Horseshoe Falls, where flowing water had turned to ice. Frozen sharks were washing up along the coast south of Boston, Massachusetts, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy reported. Forecasters warned that weather conditions could worsen, especially in the Northeast. A winter storm warning extended from the Florida panhandle all the way up the Atlantic coast. Coastal flooding, downed trees and power lines were possible along the East Coast. I'm Susan Shand. _____________________________________________________________ Words in this Story forecasters – n. a person who predicts (something, such as weather) after looking at the information that is available hypothermia – n. a condition in which the temperature of your body is very low park – n. an area that is designed for a specified use such as swimming, walking or nature ferry – n. a boat that moves people across a small body of water chill – n. a feeling of being extremely cold    

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California Becomes Largest State to Legalize Marijuana

  California has become the largest American state to legalize the sale of marijuana. The new law took effect on New Year’s Day. California voters approved a measure to legalize the drug in November 2016. The law permits adults, 21 years and older, to possess as much as 28 grams of marijuana. It also permits people to grow up to six marijuana plants at home. California is the sixth U.S. state – along with the nation’s capital Washington D.C. – to legalize recreational marijuana. California became the first American state to approve marijuana use for medical purposes in 1996. At least 29 U.S. states now permit the use of medical marijuana. Maine and Massachusetts are expected to legalize recreational marijuana in 2018.   The federal government still considers the sale and possession of marijuana a crime. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an opponent of legalizing marijuana. He said in November that he is taking a close look at federal enforcement of anti-drug laws that include marijuana. Chris Lindsey is with the Marijuana Policy Project, which seeks marijuana policy reforms in U.S. states. He says the federal government remains limited in how it can intervene in state laws. “While Jeff Sessions may not like the fact that states have taken this path, they have. And there’s very little that the federal government’s going to be able to do to compel the state to basically re-implement prohibition.”    The production and sale of marijuana will be ruled by California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control. Businesses are required to have a license to sell the drug and sales will be taxed. The state only recently started releasing the licenses, with about 90 businesses so far receiving permits. None went to the state’s largest city, Los Angeles, or its third biggest, San Francisco. California law does not permit the smoking of marijuana in public places or while driving. Local governments can set their own restrictions on sales. Lindsey says the local licensing process will result in delays of marijuana sales in some communities.   “Some of them are embracing it, and rushing to implement rules and license businesses. Others are going so far as saying ‘We don’t want it here at all,’ and everything in between. And all of that has to be sorted out.” California is the largest state in the nation, with 39 million residents. It has the world’s sixth-largest economy. Experts have valued the state’s marijuana market at several billion dollars a year. Marijuana sales are expected to create at least $684 million in tax money in 2018. More than one in five Americans now live in states where marijuana is sold for general use as well as for medical purposes. I’m Bryan Lynn. Ken Bredemeier and Lori Lundin reported on this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for Learning English, with additional material from the Associated Press.  Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   recreational – adj. done for enjoyment compel – v. force someone to do something implement – v. begin to carry out a law, plan or system prohibition – n. law or order that prevents something license – n. official document giving permission to do something embrace – v. to accept something readily or gladly sort out – v. find an answer or solution for something  

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January 3, 2018

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

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American Blogger Apologizes for Video Showing Japanese Suicide Victim

  This is What's Trending Today. An American blogger has apologized after facing criticism for a YouTube video that appeared to show the body of a suicide victim. Logan Paul published the video on Sunday. It showed him walking with friends in the Aokigahara forest near Japan’s Mount Fuji. The area is known as a place where a number of people have committed suicide. In the video, Paul and his friends see a man’s hanging body and react with shock, but also tell jokes. Critics called the jokes “disrespectful” and “disgusting.” Paul published an apology letter Tuesday on Twitter. He wrote, "Where do I begin. Let us start with this. I am sorry." He said that in his daily production of video blogs, or vlogs, "it is easy to get caught up in the moment” without thinking fully about the possible effects.   The video has been taken down, but parts of it remain online. Suicide rates in Japan are the highest in the developed world. Official numbers on suicides, especially in the Aokigahara forest, are not available. Some Japanese say people choose to take their life in the forest because it could take days to find the body. Logan Paul has more than 15 million subscribers to his YouTube channel and nearly four million followers on Twitter.   I’m Caty Weaver. VOA News reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.  ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   blogger - n. someone writes or posts about personal opinions, activities, and experiences on the internet. commit - v. ​to do (something that is illegal or harmful) disgusting  - adj. ​so bad, unfair, inappropriate, etc., that you feel annoyed and angry awareness - n. ​knowledge of a situation or fact​ online  - n. ​connected to a computer, a computer network, or the Internet​ subscriber - n. ​a person who receives a publication regularly by paying in advance.  

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January 2, 2018

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

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