VOA慢速英语:Trump Sends Letter to China's Xi

短语讲解：

1. He wrote that he is looking forward to working with Xi to “develop a constructive relationship” that benefits both countries, the White House said in a statement.

look forward to 期望，盼望; 瞩望
例句：He was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.
他期待着与新首相共事。

2. China’s Lantern Festival takes place this Saturday, February 11.

take place 发生，举行
例句：His graduation will never take place if he doesn't get to work.
如果他不下功夫，就永远不会毕业。

3. Since taking office, Trump and members of his administration have been critical of China’s actions in the South China Sea.

be critical of 不满
例句：This energy makes it easy to be critical of others.
这股能量很容易让人对其他人吹毛求疵。

4. He told the Global Times that Trump’s choice to send a letter instead of making a phone call shows he “may still want to keep his distance from China.”

instead of （用…） 代替…， （是…）而不是…， （用…）而不用…
例句：I decided to treat myself to a taxi, eg instead of walking.
我决定坐他一次计程车。