Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi

...

Before, Taiwan asked to join the UN or to become an observer. Each time, China adamantly opposed that arrangement, contending that Taiwan was part of China and that Beijing spoke for Taiwan. This time, US officials said, Washington favors the approach by Taiwan since its skirts the issue of sovereignty over Taiwan. If Beijing blocks Taiwan's participation, that may indicate that China's hostility is unabated.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/09/15/2003423219

Here in the following is my opinion for that:

"Stkirt" in this case, I think, might mean " to avoid talking about sth, simply because it is sensitive"(verb form). But back to the example in the report, "its", a possessive form, should be followed by "the word(s) similiar to noun of that nature". If so, I think, gerund " skirting" would be possible, because the "skirt" a noun form sounds odd to me here.(skirt <noun> the skirts of sth: the outside edge of sth)
=> ... since its skirting the issue ...
"Since" is a preposition in this case.

But, I personally prefer that it is a typo. I would deem that its original form should be:

... since it skirts the issue ...
"Since", however, in this case, is a conjunction.

Perhaps I could be wrong. Open to suggestions and THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

sincerely
rice07

[Lorikeet]

I agree with you. I think it's a typo, and should be "it skirts" meaning "avoids".

[rice07]

Hi Teacher Lorikeet

I haven't seen you in an age. How you been?

Thanks very much for your comment!

Sincerely
rice07