2016.7.12

2016.7.12

news form BBC

South China Sea: Tribunal backs case against China brought by Philippines

An international tribunal has ruled against Chinese claims to rights in the South China Sea, backing a case brought by the Philippines.

1.　　The Permanent Court of Arbitration said there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or resources.

　　　exclusive　【ɪkˈsklusɪv】　

1. only to be used by one particular person or group; only given to one particular person or group
   - we have exclusive use of the beach. (= we are the only ones who can use the beach)
   - the company have the exclusive rights to the logo
2. not very willing to allow new people to become members, especially if they are from a lower social class
   - he belongs to an exclusive club.
3. of a high quality and expensive and therefore not often bought or used by most people
   - an exclusive girl's school
4. if two things are mutually exclusive, you cannot have or do both of them
   - the two options are mutually exclusive. (= you can't have them both )
5. exclusive of sb/sth: not including sb/sth
   - the price is for accommodation only, exclusive of meals.

2.　　China called the ruling "ill-founded" and says it will not be bound by it.

　　　bound　【baʊnd】　

1. bound to do sth: certain or likely to happen, or to do or be sth
   - there are bound to be changes when the new system is introduced.
   - it's bound to be sunny again tommorrow.
   - it was bound to happen sooner or latter (= we should have expected it)
2. forced to do sth by law, duty or a particular situation
   - be bound by sth
   - you are bound by the contract to pay before the end of the month.
   - be bound (by sth) to do sth
   - i am bound to say i disagree with you on this point
   - they are legally bound to appear in court

3.　　Philippe Sands, a lawyer for the Philippines in the case, said it was a "clear and unanimous judgement that upholds the rule of law and the rights claimed by the Philippines".

　　　unanimous　【jʊˈnænəməs】　

1. if a decision or an opinion is unanimous, it is agree or shared by everyone in a group
   - she was the unanimous choice of the selection committee
2. unanimous in sth: if a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about sth
   - local people are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed new road.