Beijing - Moscow hotline 'used for first time'

BBC Learning English

In a world where emails and mobile devices mean you can always be in touch with the office, it seems strange that two of the world's most important military powers have only now started using a direct telephone link designed to make it easier for their senior officers to contact each other.

No doubt security concerns and diplomatic issues had to be resolved first. But in huge bureaucracies it's not always easy to get to the man in charge in a hurry.

The hotline will now make that easier, allowing what the Chinese describe as "timely communication on significant issues". Put simply they can now pick up the phone when there's a crisis and ask the Russians what's going on and what they're doing about it.

This first historic call was not so urgent apparently. The two soldiers exchanged views on the international and regional situation, bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

There is still no hotline between China's Armed Forces and the Pentagon in Washington. The two countries' presidents first agreed to set one up nearly three years ago. A further agreement was signed between the two defence departments in February but since then progress on establishing it appears to have stalled.

Vocubulary

be in touch with
communicate with [berhubung-bergaul]

...He's not really in touch with what young people are interested in.
...I didn't look at a newspaper all the time I was on holiday, so I'm completely out of touch.
...Are you still in touch with Caroline? [usually + with] = have regular communication with someone by telephone, letter etc. [hubungi]
...Her family have kept in touch with me since her death. [often + with] =[masih menghubungi]
...Do stay in touch after you've moved, won't you?
....I've lost touch with all my old college friends. [often + with]
....Anyone who knew the victim should get in touch with the police. [usually + with]


security concerns [plural - noun SPECIALIZED]
worries about the safety of information

concern (WORRY) verb [T] to cause anxiety to someone:

....The state of my father's health concerns us greatly.
....[+ that] It concerns me that he hasn't been in contact

concern : noun [C or U]
1- a feeling of worry or nervousness, or something that worries you:

...Concern for the safety of the two missing teenagers is growing.
...There's a lot of public concern about/over dangerous toxins recently found in food.
....[+ that] My concern is that you're not getting enough work done.

concerned : adjective worried:
....I'm a bit concerned about/for your health.
.....[+ (that)] Aren't you concerned (that) she might tell someone?
....[+ to infinitive] He was concerned to hear that two of his trusted workers were leaving.
....Concerned parents have complained about the dangerous playground.
....Are you sure you're all right?" she asked concernedly.

diplomatic issues
political decisions about who can talk to whom

diplomatic : adjective

1- involving the management of the relationships between countries:
....diplomatic negotiations

2- APPROVING acting in a way that does not cause offence:
....Ask him nicely - be diplomatic.