Page 4 - BOOK VII Unit 3

The aim of this initiative is to encourage cooperation and trade across the historic Silk
Road areas, and strengthen the bonds between China and the rest of the world. Trading
has grown greatly in recent years, and will continue to do so in years to come. China has
invested billions in systems and services along these routes, which will help to greatly
develop the whole area for the benefit of future trade and cultural exchange.

China has also joined its friends across the sea on other important projects. Although the
ancient sea routes of Zheng He have been travelled many times, there are still many other
places left to explore. In recent years, China has joined other nations on several expeditions
to explore the Arctic. From a scientific point of view, there is an urgent need to study the
Arctic in order to understand climate change and its effects.

Hundreds of years on, and with the latest technology in hand, the need to trade and the desire
to enhance relationships will drive China to reach out across the sea far into the future.

3 Read the text again. Write down the main idea of each paragraph.

4 Scan the text and fill in the table with the correct names.

Name Description

The name of the trade route between China and the West

Its kings sent gifts such as giraffes to China

An area currently being explored for scientific reasons

A destination of silk and a major European capital

The modern country name for Ceylon

The historical period when China expanded maritime exploration to other regions

The author of Record of My Travels

The commander of the seven fleets

The person who wrote stories that inspired European explorers

5 In groups, discuss the following questions. Make notes under two columns:
Facts and Opinions.

• Which countries reached out across the sea in the past and why?
• What benefits and problems did those countries get from doing this?
• What effects did reaching out across the sea in the past have on the world?
• What do you think is the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative?

UNIT 3 SEA EXPLORATION 27