Comprehension For SBI PO Set

Comprehension For SBI PO Set – 26

Though the last twenty-five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would seem commensurate wit its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.

In the past China’s authorities have tended to downplay the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its developing country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighbourhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the President has formally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all through common development and tolerance for diversity has left world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.

China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from complex factors. The country’s economic strength- having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world—is undeniable and reports favour it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of the century. For sustained double-digit economic growth China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally.

Moreover, as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that china needs aggressively woo the countries rich in energy resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flashpoint like the Korean peninsulas would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans of economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization porgramme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in variety international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchanges, and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the world where traditional powers are sitting on the sidelines, content has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let others shape world affairs, are emphatically over.

1. Why has China traditionally been a passive spectator in global affairs?

(a) To safeguard its oil resources

(b) To maintain security in its vicinity

(d) To focus on domestic economic growth

(e) Economic dominance of the US.

2. Which of the following best describes China’s current international status?

(a) Cause of insecurity among developing nations

(b) Largest economy in the world

(d) Pioneer of implementing a “harmonious world” philosophy

(e) None of these

3. What has been the fallout of China’s increased participation in world affairs?

(a) International scrutiny of its economic policies

(b) Growth of corruption among politicians

(d) Its growth rate has stablilised.

(e) None of these

4. On which of the following factors in China’s economic growth dependent?

(A) Increased supply of oil and other natural resources to developed countries

(B) Success of harmonious world policy

(a) Only C

(b) Only A

(d) All A, B and C

(e) None of these

5. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage?

(a) China’s current political standing internationally is disproportionate to its financial strength.

(b) China is a reluctant participant in military dialogues.

(d) The US has recognised and acknowledged China’s growing international reputation.

(e) China has stopped dealing with corrupt countries because of international pressure.

6. The main purpose behind Beijing’s intervention in North Korea is to

(a) ensure that the US acknowledges China’s growing military influence

(b) prevent any hindrances to its domestic economic development programmes.

(d) provide humanitarian assistance to one of its strongest allies Korea.

(e) None of these

7. Which of the following CANNOT be said about China’s international relations theory?

(a) The theory is ambiguous in nature.

(b) The theory reflects China’s realization that it occupies a vital place in global affairs.

(d) It is a theory which explains China’s sustained growth rate.

(e) It emphasises achieving prosperity thrugh universal development.

8. Which of the following is NOT a step taken by China to cement its role as a world leader?

(A) Providing aid to countries when other nations are unwilling to do so.

(B) Curtailing its military modernisation programme to reassure neighbouring countries.

(a) Only A

(b) Both A and B

(d) Only B

(e) None of these

9. Which of the following is an outcome of Beijing’s role in Africa?

(a) America’s influence in the region has reduced.

(b) Instability in the region.

(d) The balance of power in Africa has shifted in favour of Europe over the US.

(e) None of these

10. Which of the following is/ are responsible for China’s active international participation?

(A) Rapid economic growth as a result of selling its surplus foreign exchange reserves.

(B)The head to explore and expand to new markets.

(a) Only A

(b) Both A and B

(d) Both B and C

(e) None of these

Directions (Q.11-13): Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. SUSTAINED

(a) sporadic

(b) Confirmed

(d) supported

(e) encouraging

12. POTENTIAL

(a) promise

(b) talent

(d) capable

(e) possible

13. ENCOMPASSING

(a) surrounding

(b) incorporating

(d) accepting

(e) dealing

Directions (Q.14-15): Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. COMMENDABLE

(a) valuable

(b) unreliable

(d) unworthy

(e) deficient

15. ALLAY

(a) strengthen

(b) alleviate

(d) expedite

(e) discourage

Answer key:

1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (e) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (e) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (a)

Share1

1 Shares

Comprehension For SBI PO Set – 26