kadioguy
Key Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2017
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Chinese
- Home Country
- Taiwan
- Current Location
- Taiwan
[From a news]
EU group advances Taiwan proposal
The European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday approved proposals that urge the EU to bolster political ties with Taiwan and rename its European Economic and Trade Office the “EU Office in Taiwan.”
EU lawmakers passed the EU-Taiwan Political Relations and Cooperation report and related proposals in a 60-4 vote, with six members abstaining.
The report is to be brought to the floor of the European Parliament next month. It expresses concern over China’s saber-rattling, and calls on Beijing to cease any action that jeopardizes peace in the Taiwan Strait and not to upset the “status quo” without Taipei’s consent.
The report recommended that the EU initiate work on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan and hold talks with the country at the highest official levels.
The EU should play a larger role in international initiatives that maintain peace across the Strait and improve Taiwan’s democracy, while making it a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.
The report condemned China’s trade embargo on Lithuania and recommended that the EU support the Baltic state in the dispute.
[...]
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/09/03/2003763712
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The blue text is in the present simple while the green text in past simple. Why? Shouldn't they be consistent?
A friend told me, "I think it’s more proper to use the present tense if the source still exists. It sounds more timeless and academic that way. If you were just telling someone about what you read, it’s natural to use the past tense - that kinda makes it more personal; I've read it and this is what it said."
I agree with the friend. However, I would also like to hear your opinions.
EU group advances Taiwan proposal
The European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday approved proposals that urge the EU to bolster political ties with Taiwan and rename its European Economic and Trade Office the “EU Office in Taiwan.”
EU lawmakers passed the EU-Taiwan Political Relations and Cooperation report and related proposals in a 60-4 vote, with six members abstaining.
The report is to be brought to the floor of the European Parliament next month. It expresses concern over China’s saber-rattling, and calls on Beijing to cease any action that jeopardizes peace in the Taiwan Strait and not to upset the “status quo” without Taipei’s consent.
The report recommended that the EU initiate work on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan and hold talks with the country at the highest official levels.
The EU should play a larger role in international initiatives that maintain peace across the Strait and improve Taiwan’s democracy, while making it a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.
The report condemned China’s trade embargo on Lithuania and recommended that the EU support the Baltic state in the dispute.
[...]
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/09/03/2003763712
---
The blue text is in the present simple while the green text in past simple. Why? Shouldn't they be consistent?
A friend told me, "I think it’s more proper to use the present tense if the source still exists. It sounds more timeless and academic that way. If you were just telling someone about what you read, it’s natural to use the past tense - that kinda makes it more personal; I've read it and this is what it said."
I agree with the friend. However, I would also like to hear your opinions.
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