This is People’s Daily Tonight, your news source from China.  

_____

Over 160,000 purchasers register for China's first import expo

More than 160,000 purchasers from over 80,000 domestic and foreign companies have registered for the first China International Import Expo.

That has exceeded the expectations of the China International Import Expo Bureau.

The bureau says over 40 companies from the likes of the US, France, Germany, and Japan have already signed up.  (Xinhua)

_____

Strong aftershock shakes Lombok, Indonesia

A strong aftershock shakes the Indonesian island of Lombok.

That's where tens of thousands of people are homeless after Sunday’s powerful earthquake.

Indonesia’s geological agency said the quake Thursday afternoon had a magnitude of 6.2 and was shallow. 

It said it didn’t have the potential to cause a tsunami.

The Indonesian Red Cross says it’s focusing its earthquake relief efforts on an estimated 20,000 people in remote areas in the north of the island where aid still has not reached. (AP)

______

Canadian PM vows to 'stand up' in escalating dispute with Saudi Arabia

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that Canada will always stand up for human rights.

This, as the dispute over the issue with Saudi Arabia escalates.

Trudeau says Canadians have always expected his government to speak strongly, firmly, clearly and politely about the need to respect human rights at home and around the world.

Saudi Arabia has warned of more punishment against Canada. (Xinhua)

_____

China's July CPI up 2.1%, PPI 4.6% 

China's consumer price index rose 2.1 percent from a year earlier in July, beating expectations of 1.9 percent and staying well within the government's comfort range of below 3 percent.

Analysts say robust domestic consumption and summer vacation travel caused the increase.

Meantime, China’s producer price index, which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, rose 4.6 percent year-on-year in July, slightly lower than the June figure. (Chinadaily.com.cn &Xinhua)

_____

Republican Congressman charged with insider trading

US federal prosecutors charge Republican congressman Christopher Collins with taking part in an insider trading scheme.  

His case involves an Australian biotech company, where he sat on the board. 

Prosecutors said that in June 2017, Collins learned at a congressional picnic on the South Lawn that a trial for the company's proposed secondary multiple sclerosis drug had failed. 

He had asked his son to sell company stocks, thus avoiding hundreds of dollars in losses. (People's Daily app)

_____

Beijing invites artists to design 2022 Winter Games mascots

Beijing is leaning on its Olympic experience in inviting artists worldwide to design mascots for the 2022 Winter Games.

This, as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Summer Games.

The Beijing 2022 organizing committee said October 31 is the deadline for submitting entries.

Winning entries will be announced in the second half of 2019. (China Daily)

_____

Oscars to add 'best popular film' award, shorten gala

And organizers of the Oscars announce the creation of a new category to honor top blockbusters.

They also say the ceremony would be shortened to attract more viewers.

But the new measures were immediately met with criticism, with some suggesting the new "popular film" would mean critical and box office hits like "Black Panther" might be snubbed in the race for the coveted best picture award. (AFP)

_____

And that’s People’s Daily Tonight. Thanks for joining us.

(Produced by David Nye, Chen Lidan and Qiao Wai)