進入英語學習論壇下載音頻

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired two more short-range missiles yesterday, ignoring international condemnation of its nuclear test on Monday and accusing the US of plotting against its government.

The DPRK had test-fired three short-range missiles on Monday hours after conducting a nuclear test, drawing strong reactions from China and the rest of the world.

Yesterday, too, China "firmly opposed" the DPRK's action, but asked the international community to remain calm in formulating a response.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said China is "resolutely opposed" to the nuclear test, and it urges the DPRK to return to the talks. But any action taken by the UN Security Council should help resolve the issue peacefully, he said.

The DPRK test-fired the two 13-km range missiles - one ground-to-air, the other ground-to-sea - from its east coast, the Republic of Korea's (ROK) Yonhap news agency said, citing an unnamed government official.

In a move certain to compound tensions in the region, the ROK said it would join a US-led initiative to intercept ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction, an act the DPRK has warned it would consider a declaration of war, Reuters said.

The demonstrations of military might have taken a toll on Seoul's jittery financial markets, worried about the impact of the DPRK's growing belligerence in the region.

Questions:

1. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) yesterday tested what devices?

2. From which side of their coast line did they conduct the tests?

3. What is the range of the missiles that were launched yesterday?

Answers:

1. Two short-range missiles.

2. From their east coast.

3. 13 km.

（英語點津 Helen 編輯）

Brendan joined The China Daily in 2007 as a language polisher in the Language Tips Department, where he writes a regular column for Chinese English Language learners, reads audio news for listeners and anchors the weekly video news in addition to assisting with on location stories. Elsewhere he writes Op’Ed pieces with a China focus that feature in the Daily’s Website opinion section.

He received his B.A. and Post Grad Dip from Curtin University in 1997 and his Masters in Community Development and Management from Charles Darwin University in 2003. He has taught in Japan, England, Australia and most recently China. His articles have featured in the Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times, The Asia News Network and in-flight magazines.