Fresh Start: Podcast News (2/10/2019 Sun.)
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Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app.

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China, US to hold high-level economic, trade consultation in Beijing from Feb. 14 to 15

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will hold a new round of high-level China-US economic and trade consultation with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in Beijing from Feb. 14 to 15.

Building on the recent consultation in Washington, the two sides will have further discussion on issues of common concern.

The US delegation will arrive in Beijing on Feb. 11. (Xinhua)

Portugal issues stamps to mark 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China

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The Portuguese post office CTT on Friday issued a set of two commemorative stamps with the first day cover to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and China.

The stamps feature two tea utensil sets with traditional Chinese and Portuguese cultural elements.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the occasion, CTT CEO Francisco de Lacerda said the Portuguese and Chinese people have a long history of exchanges and profound friendship. (Xinhua)

China's information consumption surges in 2018

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China's information consumption saw a rapid increase last year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Total business volume of the telecommunication sector rose by 137.9 percent from the previous year, the MIIT has said.

Services of 4G continued to develop last year, with the number of users reaching 1.17 billion.

The ministry attributed the soaring information consumption to Chinese telecommunications operators' measures of increasing Internet connection speed and cutting connection costs. (Xinhua)

Boeing delivers first KC-46 tanker to US Air Force Altus Base in Oklahoma

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US aircraft company Boeing Friday delivered the first KC-46 refueling tanker to the US Air Force Altus Base in Oklahoma State, Boeing said.

The delivery follows a two-year delay, which cost the world's largest aircraft manufacturer more than $3 billion and prompted the US Air Force to withhold 20 percent of the payment to Boeing until progress is made fixing a number of software and hardware issues, according to Sputnik.

The aircraft can carry more than 90,718 kg of fuel and up to about 29,485 kg of cargo. (Global Times)

Volkswagen recalls defective Lamborghini vehicles in China

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Volkswagen China has announced a recall of 48 Lamborghini cars due to defective fuel tanks, according to China's market regulator.

The vehicles may pose safety risks due to defective fuel tanks, according to the statement.

Volkswagen China has promised to replace the defective fuel tanks free of charge to ensure safety. (Xinhua)

'The Wandering Earth' gains 1.4 billion yuan at box office in first five days

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Chinese sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth" raked in about 1.4 billion yuan (about $208.7 million) in box office sales over its first five days on the big screen as of 2:00 pm Saturday, according to Maoyan, a professional box office tracker.

The film, one of the biggest winners in the Spring Festival film market, also received favorable reviews from audiences and critics.

Considered a milestone in the development of Chinese sci-fi film, "The Wandering Earth," adapted from the work of Hugo Award Winner Liu Cixin, earned the heart of many science fiction fans across China. (Xinhua)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What powered James Watt’s engine in 1765?

(Answer: Steam.)

Today’s quote is from English author Samuel Johnson (1709-1784).

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, and Da Hang.)