進入5月以來，美國與北韓尖銳對峙，核子戰瀕臨一觸即發的關頭。美國眼見局勢緊張，放話若有適當條件，願見北韓領袖，但金正恩似乎不領情，不僅逮捕美國公民，還抨擊中國踩紅線。兩國之間的意志考驗（a test of wills）難保不會引發嚴重後果。 【川金會淺談】 a test of wills 意志考驗 A：Do you think North Korean leader Kim Jong-un dares to carry out another nuclear test? （你覺得金正恩真的敢再次進行核子試爆嗎？） B：Who knows? It's turned out to be a test of wills between two leaders. （誰說得準呢？這話題已經成兩國元首的意志考驗了。） in contrast to 相較之下 A：In contrast to military threats, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would be honored to meet Kim. （與軍事威嚇相較之下，川普說願意與金一見。） B：I've heard about it. Trump is trying to find an exit after the heightened tensions. （我聽說了。川普試圖在升高的緊張氣氛中殺出活路。） circumstance 條件、情況 A：He also said he would, under the right circumstances, sit down face-to-face with Kim. （他還說如果情況適當，他會坐下來與金會談。） B：Anyway, it's a good thing that Trump is willing to take an unconventional approach. （總之呢，川普願試非傳統的方法是好事。） 【延伸關鍵字】 1. to defuse：使除去危險性；拆去……的雷管 2. stand-off：僵持 3. to intensify：激化 多益時事通工作團隊獨家授權