(单词翻译:单击)
听力文本
US Defense Chief Urges Closer Ties with Brazil in Space Research
United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis spoke in Brazil Tuesday calling for closer ties with the country in defense issues and in space.
Mattis urged military students in Rio de Janeiro to remember Brazil's long tradition of working with the U.S. military since World War II.
The defense secretary's visit comes at a time when unrest continues to increase in Venezuela and several of the area's economies are struggling. The U.S. also is concerned about the growing influence of China and Russia in South America.
Mattis discussed U.S. interest in partnering with Brazil in space research. China has increased its influence in South America's space research efforts; it operates a space center in Argentina's Patagonia area.
Mattis said, "We choose Brazil not because it lies along the equator in a happy accident of geography, but because we want to work with Brazilians."
Brazil has developed the Alcantara space center in the state of Maranhao. The center is in a good place because it is close to the equator. Experts say rockets launched close to the equator gain extra velocity from the Earth's rotation.
Mattis also said he wants the United States to be the "partner of choice" in South America.
After his speech, Mattis was asked about the proposal by the administration of President Donald Trump to create a U.S. Space Force. A civilian asked the defense secretary whether such a force would risk opening the door to the militarization of space.
Mattis answered, "We don't intend to militarize space. However, we will defend ourselves in space, if necessary."
The defense secretary will continue his South American trip with visits to Argentina, Chile and Colombia.
Mattis's trip follows a visit to the area by the chief of U.S. Navy Operations, Admiral John Richardson.
The U.S. Navy has worked with Latin American allies to fight illegal drug trafficking. Allies are also concerned about other threats that affect countries in the area, such as piracy.
Officials say there are many other chances for cooperation in the Americas – from humanitarian missions to cybersecurity.
I'm Jonathan Evans.
重点解析
1.defense secretary 国防部长
A marine is sworn in by the Defense Secretary during an enlistment at the American Embassy in Kabul.
在喀布尔的美国大使馆的入伍仪式上，一名海军正在国防部长前宣布就职。
2.concerned about 担忧
Unlike Gandhi, though, King was concerned about the results of his actions.
与甘地不同的是，马丁·路德·金关心他的行动的效果。
3.illegal drug 非法药物；违禁药品
People should not engage in illegal drug use or trafficking.
人们不应该从事非法使用或贩卖毒品。
4.close to 靠近；挨着
We were close to when it happened.
事情发生时我们正在附近。
5.The defense secretary's visit comes at a time when unrest continues to increase in Venezuela and several of the area's economies are struggling.
at a time 一次；每次；在某一时刻
Female sheep produce one or two lambs at a time.
母羊一次生一至两头羊羔。
You can do one task at a time, but also rush that task.
你可以一次完成一个任务，但也可能会急匆匆的完成它。
6.However, we will defend ourselves in space, if necessary."
if necessary 如果必要的话
If necessary, we can use aluminium instead of steel.
如果必要，我们可用铝代钢。
You can hive off some of the work to us if necessary.
如果必要的话，你可以把部分工作分给我们做。
参考译文
美国防部长：加强与巴西的太空合作
周二，美国国防部长吉姆·马蒂斯（Jim Mattis）在巴西发表讲话，他呼吁在国防问题和太空领域与巴西建立更紧密的联系。
马蒂斯敦促里约热内卢的军校学生牢记二战以来巴西与美国军方共同合作的悠久传统。
在美国国防部长访问期间，委内瑞拉的动荡局势持续加剧，该地区的几个经济体也陷入了困境。美国还对中国、俄罗斯在南美日益增长的影响力表示担忧。
马蒂斯谈到了美国与巴西在太空研究领域合作的兴趣。中国在南美太空研究领域的影响力不可小觑；它在阿根廷巴塔哥尼亚地区运营着一个太空中心。
马蒂斯说，我们选择巴西不是因为其位于赤道附近，是出于地理上的偶然，而是因为我们想要与巴西人民合作。
巴西已经在马拉尼昂州建立了阿尔坎塔拉发射中心。该中心地理位置优越，靠近赤道。专家说，在靠近赤道的位置发射火箭，可以借助地球自转获得额外的速度。
马蒂斯还表示，他希望美国成为南美洲的“首选合作伙伴”。
演讲结束后，马蒂斯被问及特朗普政府关于建立美国太空部队的提议。一名市民问国防部长，这样一支军事力量是否有冒着打开太空军事化大门的风险。
马蒂斯回答称，我们不打算把太空军事化。然而，如有必要，我们会在太空中自卫。”
国防部长将继续他的南美之行，他将访问阿根廷、智利和哥伦比亚。
在马蒂斯访问前，美国海军作战部长、海军上将约翰·理查森（John Richardson）访问了该地区。
美国海军与拉丁美洲盟友合力打击了非法毒品走私。盟国也对影响该地区的其他因素威胁感到担忧，比如海盗问题。
官员们称，在美洲，从人道主义任务到网络安全还有许多其他的合作机会。
乔纳森·埃文斯报道。
译文为可可英语翻译，未经授权请勿转载！
