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Is Trump's Next Target Cuba? After Venezuela, Pressure Shifts to Havana — episode cover art
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Is Trump's Next Target Cuba? After Venezuela, Pressure Shifts to Havana

About this story

After Venezuela, Cuba braces as Trump's next target — sanctions, tourism limits, and a complicated US-Cuba history. HSK 3 Chinese listening practice.

This is an HSK 3-4 Chinese listening episode that runs about 9 minutes. The full Mandarin script is shown with tap-for-pinyin and a line-by-line English translation, so you can listen and read at once — comprehensible input in the sense of Stephen Krashen's i+1 theory. It teaches 16 key vocabulary words such as 改变、严重、吃惊 and walks through 6 grammar patterns, each explained in English with examples. The same news story is retold at 4 difficulty levels — use the level selector above to find the version that is challenging but still understandable for you.

Read at your level

原文

Read the complete story in Chinese. Reveal pinyin and English only when you need them.

美国政府最近计划我们必须古巴
古巴美国南边一个岛国
最近美国总统有了一个新的目标
这个目标就是古巴
现在2026春天
虽然今年刚刚开始但是发生很多大事
总统在做一些很大改变
首先我们可以看看之前做了什么
今年一月改变委内瑞拉政府
委内瑞拉南美洲一个国家
那个国家领导换掉
然后上个美国做了一个决定
美国中东伊朗发生战争
事情非常严重
它们全世界感到非常吃惊
很多觉得美国现在做法危险
但是觉得必须做的事情
希望通过这些事情美国变得强大
因为委内瑞拉政府换了伊朗打仗
所以大家都在他的一个目标
现在答案已经出来
一个目标就是古巴
上个星期记者一些
古巴政府很快垮台
垮台意思就是政府失败
很多感到非常紧张
为什么这么
因为想把古巴政府换掉
古巴现在政府已经存在很多
但是美国一直喜欢这个政府
美国古巴关系一直都不太好
虽然国家得很
但是它们之间很多问题
过去美国古巴很多限制
比如美国允许自己公司古巴做生意
美国也不鼓励美国人去古巴旅游
这些规定古巴经济造成很大影响
古巴发展因此遇到很多困难
现在想要彻底改变这个情况
不仅仅是限制古巴
他是真的古巴政府消失
一个非常计划
那么为什么这么
原因其实并不复杂
首先古巴美国非常
如果古巴一个美国喜欢政府
美国觉得自己国家安全
另外一个更大计划
希望美国美洲强大国家
美洲包括北美洲南美洲
认为美国应该管理地方
他不希望别的国家这里太大影响
为了达到这个目的必须解决古巴问题
因为古巴一直美国的话
过去一年经常讨论这个问题
他的政府官员时间
他们这个想法写进美国安全计划
这个安全计划美国来说非常重要
决定美国世界上怎么
这个计划美国利益一位
如果哪个国家影响美国利益
美国会对这个国家采取行动
所以古巴成了他们眼中一个问题
既然改变古巴政府
那么美国到底有什么具体计划
很多都在这个问题
但是其实我们现在不知道
甚至美国政府自己可能不太清楚
他们可能没有一个完整计划
因为改变一个国家政府非常麻烦
需要很多时间需要很多
而且古巴人民可能反对
如果美国强行改变古巴
可能引起更大问题
虽然没有具体计划但是目标明显
美国政府最终目的大家得很清楚
他们就是现在古巴政府下台
不管什么办法结果必须这样
就像比赛
美国想要古巴不想
所以国家之间竞争越来越激烈
大家都在等着下来发生什么
如果美国真的古巴采取行动
带来什么结果
我们可以仔细分析一下
首先古巴经济受到更大打击
古巴本来就是一个比较国家
如果美国增加更多压力
古巴老百姓生活变得困难
他们可能不到足够食物
他们可能找不到工作
一件非常难过事情
其次影响整个美洲环境
其他南美洲国家感到害怕
他们美国一个会不会对付我们
这种担心国家之间关系变得紧张
大家不敢完全信任美国
另外国际社会也会有很多反对声音
很多国家认为国家都是平等
一个国家不能随便改变一个国家政府
符合国际规定
如果美国尊重这些规定
那么世界变得
虽然觉得这样美国好处
但是长期来看可能美国失去朋友
因为没有喜欢一个总是欺负别人国家
所以古巴问题不仅仅是美国古巴问题
也是一个世界性的问题
关系国际社会稳定安全
现在所有媒体都在报道事情
记者每天都在关注白宫消息
大家都在讨论下一步安排
如果真的决定古巴动手
那么2026将会非常特殊一年
我们看到世界变化越来越
很多以前觉得不可能发生事情
现在变成现实
提醒我们关注国际新闻
因为这些大国决定影响我们每一个人
不管住在城市街道还是农村
经济政治改变都会影响你的生活
比如可能影响买东西价格
可能影响其他国家旅游计划
所以了解这些国际政策非常有用
我们知道古巴很多美丽风景
以前很多游客喜欢那里参观
古巴音乐艺术非常有名
但是如果发生冲突这些都会受到影响
游客因为害怕危险拒绝古巴
古巴失去很多收入
没有收入社会发展停下
另外美国国内也有不同声音
不是所有美国同意做法
有些教授律师觉得这样不对
他们认为美国应该古巴进行友好讨论
而不是强硬态度威胁别人
他们主张沟通解决问题
因为战争冲突总是带来伤害
不管是美国还是古巴
都没有什么真正好处
但是现在政府非常自信
他们觉得自己能力控制一切
他们认为只要古巴足够压力
古巴按照美国要求
这种态度非常骄傲
结果到底怎么我们只能继续等待
也许明天新的消息发布
也许情况突然发生改变
这个充满变化时代什么都有可能
我们需要保持冷静仔细观察
不仅表面上现象
研究背后真正原因
这样我们才能更好理解这个世界
English transcript reference

Speaking of the US government's recent plans, we must talk about Cuba.

Cuba is an island country south of the United States.

Recently, US President Trump has a new target.

This new target is Cuba.

It is now the spring of 2026.

Although this year has just begun, many big events have happened.

President Trump is making some big changes.

First, we can look at what he did before.

In January this year, he changed the government of Venezuela.

Venezuela is a country in South America.

Trump replaced that country's leader.

Then, last month, the US made another big decision.

A war broke out between the US and Iran in the Middle East.

Both of these events are very serious.

They made the whole world feel very surprised.

Many people feel that the current actions of the US are very dangerous.

However, Trump feels this is something that must be done.

He hopes to make the US stronger through these events.

Because he changed Venezuela's government and went to war with Iran.

So everyone is guessing who his next target is.

Now, the answer has come out.

Trump's next target is Cuba.

Last week, Trump said some things to reporters.

He said the Cuban government would soon collapse.

Collapse means the government will fail.

This sentence made many people feel very nervous.

Why would Trump say this?

Because he wants to replace the Cuban government.

Cuba's current government has existed for many years.

But the US has always disliked this government.

The relationship between the US and Cuba has never been very good.

Although these two countries are very close.

But there are many problems between them.

In the past, the US had many restrictions on Cuba.

For example, the US did not allow its own companies to do business with Cuba.

The US also did not encourage Americans to travel to Cuba.

These rules had a great impact on Cuba's economy.

Cuba's development therefore encountered many difficulties.

Now, Trump wants to completely change this situation.

He doesn't just want to restrict Cuba.

He really wants to make the Cuban government disappear.

This is a very big plan.

So, why does Trump want to do this?

The reason is actually not complicated.

First, Cuba is very close to the US.

If Cuba has a government the US dislikes.

The US will feel its country is not safe.

Besides, Trump has a bigger plan.

He hopes the US is the most powerful country in the Americas.

The Americas include North America and South America.

Trump believes the US should manage this region.

He does not want other countries to have too much influence here.

To achieve this goal, he must solve the Cuba problem.

Because Cuba never listens to the US.

Over the past year, Trump frequently discussed this issue.

He and his government officials held meetings for a long time.

They wrote this idea into the US security plan.

This security plan is very important to the US.

It determines what the US will do in the world.

In this plan, US interests come first.

If any country affects US interests.

The US will take action against this country.

So, Cuba became a problem in their eyes.

Since Trump wants to change the Cuban government.

Then, what specific plans does the US actually have?

Many people are asking this question.

But, actually, we don't know yet.

Even the US government itself might not be too clear.

They might not yet have a complete plan.

Because changing a country's government is very troublesome.

This requires a lot of time and also requires a lot of money.

Moreover, the Cuban people might also object.

If the US forcibly changes Cuba.

It might cause even bigger problems.

Although there is no specific plan, the target is very obvious.

Everyone can clearly see the ultimate goal of the US government.

They just want to make the current Cuban government step down.

No matter what method is used, the result must be like this.

This is like a competition.

The US wants to win, and Cuba doesn't want to lose.

So, the competition between these two countries will become increasingly fierce.

Everyone is waiting to see what will happen next.

If the US really takes action against Cuba.

What results will this bring?

We can carefully analyze it.

First, Cuba's economy will suffer an even bigger blow.

Cuba is already a relatively poor country.

If the US increases more pressure.

The lives of ordinary Cuban people will become more difficult.

They might not be able to buy enough food.

They might also not be able to find jobs.

This is a very sad thing.

Secondly, this will affect the environment of the entire Americas.

Other South American countries will also feel afraid.

They will wonder if the US will deal with them next.

This kind of worry will make relations between countries very tense.

Everyone will not dare to completely trust the US.

In addition, the international community will also have many opposing voices.

Many countries believe that every country is equal.

One country cannot casually change another country's government.

This does not comply with the rules of international law.

If the US does not respect these rules.

Then the world will become more chaotic.

Although Trump feels doing this is good for the US.

But in the long run, this might make the US lose friends.

Because no one likes a country that always bullies others.

Therefore, the Cuba issue is not just an issue between the US and Cuba.

It is also a global issue.

It concerns the stability and security of the international community.

Now, all the media are reporting on this matter.

Reporters are paying attention to news from the White House every day.

Everyone is discussing Trump's next arrangements.

If he really decides to make a move against Cuba.

Then 2026 will be a very special year.

We can see that the world is changing faster and faster.

Many things that were previously thought impossible to happen.

Have now become reality.

This also reminds us to pay more attention to international news.

Because the decisions of these major powers will affect every one of us.

Whether you live on city streets or in the countryside.

Economic and political changes will affect your life.

For example, it might affect the price of the things you buy.

It might also affect your plans to travel to other countries.

Therefore, understanding these international policies is very useful.

We should know that Cuba has many beautiful landscapes.

In the past, many tourists liked to visit there.

Cuba's music and art are also very famous.

But if a conflict occurs, all these will be affected.

Tourists will refuse to go to Cuba because they fear danger.

This will make Cuba lose a lot of income.

Without income, society's development will stop.

In addition, there are also different voices within the US.

Not all Americans agree with Trump's approach.

Some professors and lawyers feel that doing this is wrong.

They believe the US should have friendly discussions with Cuba.

Rather than using a tough attitude to threaten others.

They advocate using communication to solve problems.

Because wars and conflicts always bring harm.

Whether to Americans or Cubans.

There is no real benefit.

However, Trump's government is very confident now.

They feel they have the ability to control everything.

They believe that as long as they give Cuba enough pressure.

Cuba will do as the US demands.

This attitude is very arrogant.

What exactly the result will be, we can only continue to wait.

Perhaps there will be new news released tomorrow.

Perhaps the situation will suddenly change.

In this era full of changes, anything is possible.

We need to stay calm and observe carefully.

Not only should we look at surface phenomena.

We must also study the real reasons behind them.

Only in this way can we better understand this world.

Listen again

Try it without the transcript and notice what sounds clearer.

What vocabulary does this episode teach?

词汇
gǎi biànto change / change

A common verb/noun used to describe making something different. Within HSK 3 level.

yán zhòngserious / severe

Used to describe situations, problems, or consequences that are critical or grave. Within HSK 4 level.

chī jīngto be surprised / amazed

A verb object compound meaning to feel shock or surprise. Often used in the structure '让...感到吃惊'. Within HSK 4 level.

wēi xiǎndangerous / danger

Can be used as an adjective or a noun. Within HSK 4 level.

fù zácomplicated / complex

Used to describe situations or reasons that are not simple. Within HSK 4 level.

xiàn zhìrestriction / to restrict

Used to express placing limits on actions or trade. Within HSK 4 level.

yǐng xiǎnginfluence / impact

Very common word for expressing how one thing affects another. Within HSK 3 level.

jìng zhēngcompetition / to compete

Used to describe rivalry between nations, companies, or individuals. Within HSK 4 level.

tài duattitude

Refers to a person's or government's stance or manner toward an issue. Within HSK 4 level.

jiāo àoarrogant / proud

Can be positive (proud) or negative (arrogant). Here it is used negatively to describe an overconfident attitude. Within HSK 4 level.

kuǎ táito collapse / to fall from power

Often used in political contexts to describe a government or regime falling apart. Beyond typical intermediate level.

chè dǐthoroughly / completely

An adverb used to emphasize that an action is done fully, without leaving any part out. Beyond HSK 4 level.

xià táito step down / to leave office

Used when a politician or government is removed from power or resigns. Beyond typical intermediate level.

qī futo bully / to take advantage of

Used to describe someone or a country using strength to oppress a weaker one. Beyond HSK 4 level.

zhǔ zhāngto advocate / viewpoint

Used when someone formally supports a particular way of doing things. Beyond HSK 4 level.

wēi xiéto threaten / threat

Used to express an intention to cause harm if demands are not met. Beyond HSK 4 level.

* beyond level超纲词

What grammar patterns appear in this episode?

语法

说到...

Used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a topic, meaning 'Speaking of...' or 'When it comes to...'.

说到美国政府最近的计划,我们必须要聊一聊古巴。

虽然...但是...

A common conjunction pattern meaning 'Although... but/however...'. Used to express a turning point or contrast.

虽然今年才刚刚开始,但是发生了很多大事。

虽然这两个国家离得很近。但是它们之间有很多问题。

虽然没有具体的计划,但是目标很明显。

把字句 (bǎ sentence)

Used to indicate how an action affects or handles a specific object. The structure is Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Result/Direction.

特朗普把那个国家的领导人换掉了。

因为他想把古巴的政府换掉。

他们把这个想法写进了美国的安全计划里。

不仅...还/也...

Used to express 'Not only... but also...'. It connects two clauses that reinforce each other.

不仅要看表面上的现象。还要研究背后的真正原因。

不管...都...

Meaning 'No matter (what/how/whether)... all/always...'. It indicates that the result remains the same regardless of the condition.

不管用什么办法,结果必须是这样。

不管你住在城市的街道,还是在农村。经济和政治的改变都会影响你的生活。

只要...就...

A conditional pattern meaning 'As long as... then...'. It introduces a sufficient condition for a particular result.

他们认为只要给古巴足够的压力。古巴就会按照美国的要求去做。

Proper Nouns

专有名词
美国Měi guóUnited States古巴Gǔ bāCuba特朗普Tè lǎng pǔDonald Trump委内瑞拉Wěi nèi ruì lāVenezuela南美洲Nán měi zhōuSouth America中东Zhōng dōngMiddle East伊朗Yī lǎngIran美洲Měi zhōuAmericas北美洲Běi měi zhōuNorth America白宫Bái gōngWhite House

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