Reading Comprehension
By hosting the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Israel, the two heavyweights in West Asia that do not have formal diplomatic relations, in consecutive weeks, Beijing has sent yet another signal on its growing appetite to deepen ties with the region. During the visit of King Salman last week, China and Saudi Arabia announced an investment cooperation deal worth $65 billion that will boost partnerships in fields such as energy, finance and aerospace. Days later, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing, where both leaders vowed to strengthencooperation in the technology and agriculture sectors. Over the years China has built strong economic ties with countries in West Asia, while staying clear of the region’s several crises and hostilities. It is one of the top buyers of oil from Saudi Arabia and a key trading partner of Israel. For Iran, Beijing remained a trusted ally even during the time of sanctions. China was one of the few countries that continued to buy oil from Iran when most others, including India, either halted trade or implemented massive cuts in imports under American pressure. China’s economic ties with West Asia assumed greater significance after Mr. Xi unveiled the One Belt, One Road initiative. West Asia plays a major role in this Silk Road revival plan, which the Chinese believe will fortify their global standing.
Of late, China has shown a greater interest in expanding its engagement with the region beyond the economic sphere. Its relationship with Iran has already acquired strategic dimensions. It is one of the supporters of the Bashar al-Assad regime in civil war-stricken Syria. In the UN Security Council, China, along with Russia, has consistently vetoed U.S.-backed resolutions on Syria, while at the same time offering to broker peace between rival factions. China has also recognised Palestine as a state and offered support for the Palestinians. During his meeting with Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Xi said peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine would be good for both parties and the region. The Chinese have also urged Saudi Arabia and Israel to work together to attain peace. All this indicates that China is ready to end its strategic reluctance in dealing with West Asia and to adopt a gradualist proactive policy that suits its profile as a fast-rising global power. But there are risks as well. Unlike the U.S. and Russia, China has traditionally played a risk-free global role, staying focussed on economic development. It lacks experience in navigating the political, religious, sectarian and tribal tensions in West Asia, both among states and within countries. The three major pillars of China’s West Asia policy — Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel — are rival powers. The challenge before Beijing, if it wants to enter the troubled political waters of West Asia, is to maintain a perfect balancing act.
(Source: The Hindu)
1. How was China able to maintain trust with Iran?
A. China continued to buy oil from Iran despite American pressure.
B. China was one of the few countries that halted trade or implemented massive cuts in imports under American pressure.
C. China like India halted to buy oil from Iran under American pressure.
D. Not mentioned in the passage
E. All of the above
2. In which region China wants to fortify its ties?
A. North Asia
B. West Asia
C. Both A and B
D. Not clearly mentioned in the passage.
E. None of these
3. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage?
I. China and Saudi Arabia announced an investment cooperation deal that will boost partnerships in fields such as energy, finance and aerospace.
II. Chinese and Israel vowed to strengthen cooperation in the technology and agriculture sectors.
III. China favoured Saudi Arabia and Israel over Iran.
A. Only I
A. China continued to buy oil from Iran despite American pressure.
B. China was one of the few countries that halted trade or implemented massive cuts in imports under American pressure.
C. China like India halted to buy oil from Iran under American pressure.
D. Not mentioned in the passage
E. All of the above
2. In which region China wants to fortify its ties?
A. North Asia
B. West Asia
C. Both A and B
D. Not clearly mentioned in the passage.
E. None of these
3. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage?
I. China and Saudi Arabia announced an investment cooperation deal that will boost partnerships in fields such as energy, finance and aerospace.
II. Chinese and Israel vowed to strengthen cooperation in the technology and agriculture sectors.
III. China favoured Saudi Arabia and Israel over Iran.
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Only III
D. Only I and II
E. Only I and III
4. Which of the following statement is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage?
I. China does not have formal diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel.
II. China’s relationship with Iran has already acquired strategic dimensions.
III. China was unable to steer clear of the region’s several crises and hostilities.
C. Only III
D. Only I and II
E. Only I and III
4. Which of the following statement is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage?
I. China does not have formal diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel.
II. China’s relationship with Iran has already acquired strategic dimensions.
III. China was unable to steer clear of the region’s several crises and hostilities.
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Only III
D. Only I and II
E. Only I and III
C. Only III
D. Only I and II
E. Only I and III
5. What is the most suitable title of the passage?
A. China deepening ties with the West Asian Countries.
B. China’s recent agreements with the West Asian countries.
C. China emerging as a super power.
D. China ignores American Pressure.
E. None of these
6. Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word, as used in the passage.
Hostility
A. Wrath
B. Resentment
C. Malevolence
D. Opposition
E. Adherents
7. Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word, as used in the passage.
Massive
A. Large
B. Huge
C. Diminish
D. Enormous
E. Mammoth
8. Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to the given word, as used in the passage.
Halt
A. Terminate
B. Revive
C. Activate
D. Continue
E. Foster
9. Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to the given word, as used in the passage.
Reluctance
A. Unwillingness
B. Inclination
C. Willingness
D. Depressed
E. Encouraged
Spot the error
Directions(1-5 ): In these questions, read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer, if there is no error, the answer is (d). (Ignore errors of Punctuation, if any.)1. The opposition DMK, which made an unseemly bid (A) / to thwart the confidence vote moved by Mr. Palaniswami last month, (B) / is well-placed in this election besides having little to lose or gain from it. (C). / No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
2. The techie couple was living in the United States for the past 10 years (A) / and did not complaint of any problem there, (B) / said Mr. Subba Rao, who used to be in touch with his son over phone on a daily basis (C). / No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
3. The official comment came on Thursday after the High Commissioner of Pakistan (A)/ Abdul Basit raised the issue of Kashmir during his speech that he delivered (B) / to mark Pakistan Day that was observed on Thursday. (C). / No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
4. India on Thursday advised Pakistan to control terrorism (A)/ emanated from its territory (B)/ and maintain diplomatic decorum. (C). / No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
5. But there’s a distinct style (A) / in the way he performs (B) /, even in simplest of scenes. (C). / No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
