Fresh Start: Podcast News (3/27/2018 Tue.)
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Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app. 

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

Xi sends condolences to Putin over fatal shopping mall fire

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to express condolences over a massive shopping mall fire that killed at least 56 people in Russia's south central city of Kemerovo.

On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and also in his own name, Xi deeply mourned those killed in the fire and showed sympathy to the bereaved families and those injured.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev to express condolences over the fire.

The fire, which started Sunday afternoon at a four-story shopping center, was put out near Monday noon, but rescue efforts are still going on, with dozens of people still missing, including many children. (Xinhua)

China investigates multiple countries for phenol dumping

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China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement on Monday that it will be launching an anti-dumping investigation into imports of phenol from the US, EU, South Korea, Japan and Thailand.

The investigation will start immediately and is expected to be completed by March 26, 2019 but can be extended until September 26, 2019. Phenol is a derivative of benzene, which is produced from petroleum.

The investigation comes following an official complaint by seven Chinese petrochemical companies, who claim that import dumping is causing Benzene price fluctuations. (People’s Daily app)

US to expel 60 Russian diplomats, close Seattle consulate

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US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle. This is in response to Russia’s alleged poisoning of a former Russian spy living in the UK.

Of those being expelled, 48 of the diplomats work in the Russian embassy in Washington while the other 12 are stationed at the United Nations in New York.

The US joins nearly 30 other European countries who have all vowed to support the UK in its condemnation of Russia in this matter. (People’s Daily app)

Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthis’ missiles

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Saudi Arabia's air defense intercepted ballistic missiles late Sunday fired from Yemen’s Houthis militias, Saudi state television reported.

The report mentioned that Saudi air defense intercepted one of the missiles over Riyadh and the other over the port city of Jazan.

These attacks are the result of Yemen rebels attempting to reinstate exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to his former position. (People’s Daily app)

By 2021, China to replace UK as No. 2 on global wine market list

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China is set to become the second-largest market for wine by 2021 with sales revenues expecting to reach $23 billion thanks to evolving consumer preferences.

According to Vinexpo and the International Wine and Spirit Research organization, China’s wine consumption is expected to grow in younger consumers due to its reflection of social status and elegance over beer and other spirits.

China’s market share in wine consumption currently stands third in the world ranking, with the US topping the list. (People’s Daily app)

 Xiaomi opens first store in Poland

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China’s innovative technology company Xiaomi opened its first authorized store in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday – attracting hundreds of fans and customers.

Queue lines started long before the store’s opening time, with some customers waiting hours to purchase products including phones, notebooks, televisions, and smart watches. (People’s Daily app)

Zoo apologizes for mistreating red-crowned crane

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A zoo in North China's Shijiazhuang city apologized to the public and punished a breeder who was accused of mistreating a red-crowned crane, a bird under top-level national protection.

The Shijiazhuang Zoo said the breeder, surnamed Chen, has been suspended from his position following the incident.

Zoo officials said that the breeder was performing maintenance on a sewer when the male crane approached him. They said the breeder, who was afraid of being attacked by the bird, tried to drive him away using a stick.

The breeder sustained several injuries to the face, while the crane sustained a fractured wing. Both are the crane and the breeder are in stable condition. (People’s Daily app)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

Today’s quote is from American entrepreneur Steve Jobs:

“Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Terry Guanlian Li, Raymond Mendoza, and Regina Barna)