a string of #2

中国とアメリカの外交交渉に関する記事です。中国側は，米中の対立は惨事を引き起こすことになると牽制しております。一方，ケリー国務長官は，中国を封じ込める意図はないと述べております。

記事の名で気になった単語は"string"です。『Wisdom英和辞典第三版（三省堂』によると「一本，一連，ひとつなぎ，列」などという意味がありました。"a string of islands"で「諸島」という意味になると思います。一本の糸でつながっているということを示唆しているのだと思います。「諸島」という表現は他にも"a chain of islands"があるかと思います。外交上の席で挑発的な発言はしないと思いますので，両国の意図がどこにあるのかを考える必要があると思います。（Ume）

Xi says US-China confrontation would be 'disaster'

The talks come with China locked in bitter disputes with several neighbours in the region, notably Vietnam and the Philippines, over claims in the South China Sea.

In turn, the US has stepped up joint military exercises with the Philippines and its military presence there, a move over which China has raised concerns. One of the latest exercises was conducted in the South China Sea near disputed waters two weeks ago.

Increased anti-Japan rhetoric has also come from China in recent weeks, following a decision by the Japanese cabinet to reinterpret the constitution, giving the Japanese military greater latitude to fight overseas.

Both countries claim a string of islands in the East China Sea and ties are severely strained over this issue.

The US and China have also had disagreements in recent months, particularly over cyber-attacks.

In May, US authorities charged five Chinese military officers with hacking into American businesses. Beijing has vigorously denied the charges, accusing the US of launching cyber-attacks against China.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28223648

a string of / here-today, gone-tomorrow - 田邉祐司ゼミ 常時英心：言葉の森から