Fresh Start: Podcast News (4/7/2018 Sat.)

Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app.

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

Trump proposes additional tariffs against $100 billion Chinese goods

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is asking the Office of the United States Trade Representative to consider additional tariffs on $100 billion of Chinese goods.

Trump said the USTR determined that China "has repeatedly engaged in practices to unfairly obtain America's intellectual property."

US stock index futures fell in reaction to Trump's statement.

China on Wednesday unveiled a list of US goods totaling $50 billion that would be subject to higher tariffs. (People’s Daily app)

China to fight US protectionism 'at any cost'

China will fight "at any cost" and take "comprehensive countermeasures" if the US continues its unilateral, protectionist practices, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

The spokesperson said that with Sino-US trade, China has made its position very clear and emphasized, “We don't want a trade war, but we are not afraid of such a war.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang also made a similar pledge when asked to comment on US President Trump's direction, according to information on the ministry's website. (People’s Daily app)

Former South Korean leader receives 24-year jail sentence

A South Korean court on Friday sentenced ex-President Park Geun-hye to 24 years in jail and ordered her to pay a $17 million fine for corruption.

Park was found guilty of abuse of power, bribery and coercion.

Judge Kim Se-yoon ruled that Park had forced companies to donate a total of $72 million to two foundations controlled by her secret confidante, Choi Soon-sil. Park's sentencing will follow the verdicts on the remaining charges she still faces. (People’s Daily app)

US issues new sanctions on Russian individuals and companies

The US Treasury announced Friday it would issue additional sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and companies, including seven business leaders and 17 senior officials, for their alleged "malign activity" around the world. 

Those hit with sanctions include 12 companies owned or controlled by Russian oligarchs, one state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary, and a Russian bank, according to the US Treasury. 

As a result of the sanctions, all Russian assets subject to US jurisdiction will be frozen and prohibited from accessing. (CGTN)

Poisoned ex-spy Skripal recovering after nerve attack

Poisoned ex-spy Sergei Skripal is no longer in critical condition and is responding well to treatment, hospital officials confirmed.

Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious in a park last month from an alleged nerve agent attack that has sparked sanctions and political unease across the globe.

"He is improving rapidly and no longer in critical condition," said a statement from Christine Blanshard, Medical Director at Salisbury District Hospital.

The Russian Embassy in London said it was happy to hear the good news that both Sergei and his daughter’s health had improved. (People’s Daily app)

Malaysia announces dissolution of parliament for election

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament for an election that will pose one of the sternest tests of his ruling 60-year coalition.

The changes stem from a massive financial scandal and a challenge from Razak’s former mentor and leader Mahathir Mohamad.

Following the dissolution, the election commission will announce the date for the ballot. (AFP)

Oscar-nominated Japan animation giant Takahata dies at 82

Oscar-nominated Japanese animation director Isao Takahata, who co-founded Studio Ghibli and was best known for his work "Grave of the Fireflies," passed away Friday at the age of 82 in a Tokyo hospital, local media reported.

In 2014, Takahata was nominated for an Academy Award for his animation feature, "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.”

Over a long and distinguished career, he produced around 20 films, including "Only Yesterday" and "Pom Poko." (AFP)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

Today’s quote is from the poet Walt Whitman.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.”

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Lance Crayon, Ryan Yaoran Yu, and Terry Guanlin Li.)