A Chinese podcast · Same story, 4 levels

特朗普的下一个目标:古巴
Is Trump's Next Target Cuba? After Venezuela, Pressure Shifts to Havana
HSK 3 Chinese listening practice. After Venezuela, Cuba braces as Trump's next target — sanctions, tourism limits, and a complicated US-Cuba history.
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 the complete story in Chinese. Reveal pinyin and English only when you need them.
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.
Try it without the transcript and notice what sounds clearer.
A common verb/noun used to describe making something different. Within HSK 3 level.
Used to describe situations, problems, or consequences that are critical or grave. Within HSK 4 level.
A verb object compound meaning to feel shock or surprise. Often used in the structure '让...感到吃惊'. Within HSK 4 level.
Can be used as an adjective or a noun. Within HSK 4 level.
Used to describe situations or reasons that are not simple. Within HSK 4 level.
Used to express placing limits on actions or trade. Within HSK 4 level.
Very common word for expressing how one thing affects another. Within HSK 3 level.
Used to describe rivalry between nations, companies, or individuals. Within HSK 4 level.
Refers to a person's or government's stance or manner toward an issue. Within HSK 4 level.
Can be positive (proud) or negative (arrogant). Here it is used negatively to describe an overconfident attitude. Within HSK 4 level.
Often used in political contexts to describe a government or regime falling apart. Beyond typical intermediate level.
An adverb used to emphasize that an action is done fully, without leaving any part out. Beyond HSK 4 level.
Used when a politician or government is removed from power or resigns. Beyond typical intermediate level.
Used to describe someone or a country using strength to oppress a weaker one. Beyond HSK 4 level.
Used when someone formally supports a particular way of doing things. Beyond HSK 4 level.
Used to express an intention to cause harm if demands are not met. Beyond HSK 4 level.
* beyond level超纲词
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。
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