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Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China vows to fight to the end in any trade war

China reaffirmed its position on recent United States trade moves, saying that it will fight to the end in any trade war.

Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said Friday that China urges the US to make rational and prudent decisions.

Hua said the US government misjudged the situation, underestimated China's determination and capability to safeguard its legitimate interests, and underestimated the price the US would have to pay for its arbitrary actions.

Calling the recent US restrictive measures on China "a very bad precedent," a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce said it went against "the interests of China, the US and the world at large."

"We are fully prepared to firmly defend our interests," he said.

The MOC reiterated its stance of not fearing a trade war although it said that it is the least desirable option. "We have confidence and capability in dealing with any challenges," the spokesperson said.
Despite strong warnings from business groups and trade experts, US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to $60 billion of imports from China and restrictions on Chinese investments in the US. (Xinhua)

Putin re-elected as Russian president

Russia’s incumbent President Vladimir Putin has officially won the presidential election, Russia’s Central Election Commission announced on Friday after declaring the vote valid.

According to Ella Pamfilova, head of the Central Election Commission, Putin won nearly 77 percent of the vote to secure his fourth term as president.

His candidacy was supported by more than 56 million voters.

Putin has already mapped out his main priorities for the forthcoming presidential term, saying that the domestic agenda will be of “primary importance.” He also aims to improve the standard of living for Russian citizens by promoting innovation and economic growth. (People’s Daily app)

EU recalls ambassadors from Russia

European Union leaders recalled their envoys to Moscow to show support for the UK as they condemned Russia for the poisoning of a former spy and his daughter.

Following a summit in Brussels on Thursday, 28 European leaders agreed with the UK’s assessment that Russian was likely responsible for this month’s poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

France, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are also considering expelling Russian diplomats, as requested by the UK government, in a coordinated strike against Moscow. (People’s Daily app)

Trump signs budget deal after making government shutdown threat

US President Donald Trump signed Congress' newly passed $1.3 trillion spending bill on Friday after tweeting a threat of a government shutdown. 
Trump signed the bill, despite his qualms on several issues, because of a $60 billion increase in military spending, which he considered a worthwhile compromise.

Trump voiced his frustrations about Congress not funding his campaign promise of a border wall and about issues concerning the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The bill allows for major increases in defense and domestic programs, while also supporting funds for infrastructure projects, veterans, combining the opioid crisis, strengthening background checks for gun sales and improving school safety. (People’s Daily app)

China inaugurates national supervisory commission

China’s national supervisory commission was officially inaugurated as its deputy directors and members took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution during a ceremony on Friday.

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), attended the ceremony.

Zhao called on the officials to faithfully perform their duties as stipulated by the CPC Constitution, China's Constitution and the Supervision Law to secure a sweeping victory in the fight against corruption.

Yang Xiaodu is the first director of the national supervisory commission, the national agency of a new anti-graft and supervisory network that was endorsed by the recent constitution amendment. (People’s Daily app)

Supermarket hostage-taker in France kills three before being shot dead by police

A gunman who hijacked a French supermarket has been shot dead by police after killing three people and injuring 12 others on Friday.

Witnesses reported that the man, now named as Redouane Lakdim, was armed with a knife, gun and grenades as he entered the supermarket. He was also heard stating his allegiance to the Islamic State.

Lakdim began his attack when he hijacked a car, killing the passenger and injuring the driver before entering the supermarket where he killed two other victims before being killed by police.

Lakdim was known to French intelligence services before the incident, however it was for petty crimes and small-time drug-dealing.

French prosecutors said they are treating the hostage-taking and murders as a terror incident.

Beijing to ease policies, create special fund to attract overseas talent

The Beijing municipal government announced on Wednesday to ease visa policies and establish a special fund to attract outstanding overseas talent.

According to a document released by the Beijing government, potential talent will be offered up to 1 million yuan (or roughly $158,000) in incentives once they’ve made valuable contributions in China.

The municipal government also vowed to adjust its visa policies to provide multiple visa entries valid for five to 10 years, provide maximum work permits for top-tier international talent, and provide better services for green card applications.

Other Chinese cities are considering similar policies, including Hengshui city in Hebei Province, which has promised 1 million yuan per year to foreign talent. (People’s Daily app)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding invites revealed

Kensington Palace said Thursday that invitations for Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle have been dispatched.

Some 600 people have been invited to the May 19 event at noon at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. All 600 have also been invited to a lunchtime reception given by Queen Elizabeth II at St. George’s Hall.

The palace declined to comment on who is invited to the wedding.

The invites were printed at the workshop of Barnard and Westwood in London and revealed the dress code for wedding guests as a uniform, morning coat or lounge suit for men, and a day dress with a hat for ladies. (People’s Daily app)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

Today’s quote is from American author Helen Keller.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Ziyi Zeng, Raymond Mendoza, and Regina Barna.)