VOA慢速英语:North Korean Issue Repeatedly Raised on Tillerson’s Asia Visit

短语讲解：

1. Their meeting could take place as early as next month.

take place 发生，举行
例句：A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.
明天某个时刻会发生日全食。

2. The Trump administration is seeking to find ways of working with China on a number of issues, such as North Korea, trade, and the South China Sea.

a number of 一些; 许多的
例句：Two significant constants have been found in a number of research studies.
若干研究已经发现了两个重要常量。

3. Speaking in Japan, he stated, "North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea."

live in 住在学习[工作]的地方; 住在（某地）; 存在于…
例句："I was born in the east, but now live in Los Angeles."
我出生于东部，但现在住在洛杉矶。

4. Tillerson called on North Korea to give up its nuclear and missile programs and noted the U.S. commitment to defend Japan and other allies “is unwavering.”

give up 放弃; 投降; 把…让给
例句：Don't give up hope; keep on trying.
不要灰心，继续努力。

5. In South Korea, the secretary of state did not rule out the use of military force against the North Koreans.

rule out 用直线划掉; 宣布…不可能
例句：We had to rule out the possibility of increased supplies.
我们只好排除了增加供应的可能性。

6. Tillerson told Xi that Trump looks forward to increasing understanding between the two countries and “the opportunity for a visit in the future.

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。