对长途贸易的依赖也意味着，伟大的中东帝国无论是实际上还是象征意义上，都是建立在流沙之上的。

Dependence on long-distance trade also meant that the great empires of the Middle East were built both literally and figuratively on shifting sand.

youdao

我认为这是一个象征：他们不想反对自由贸易；他们不想在前进的道路上人为地设置障碍。

And I think it's an indication: they are not going to be anti-free trade; they are not going to be for putting artificial barriers in the way.

youdao

这个困境象征着批准与美国的中美洲自由贸易协定(CAFTA)的一场战斗。

That dilemma was symbolised by the battle to approve the Central American Free-Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States.

youdao