People's Daily Tonight: Podcast News (3/12/2018 Mon.)

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

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Growing global acceptance of traditional Chinesse medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining wider global acceptance. 

The statement from a TCM official comes after news of a Chinese cough medicine's popularity in the US during the flu season.

The official says 183 countries and regions have access to TCM products, with 86 of them signing agreements with China to promote TCM.

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South Korea will respond to US tariffs

South Korea says it will deploy all possible means to respond to US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

This comes after the US opened the way for more exemptions from its steel and aluminum tariffs, after pressure from allies and intense lobbying from lawmakers.

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Environmental protection law a priority in China

China has been giving priority to environmental protection laws.

A legislator says 18 percent of all legislative motions in the last five years touch on the environment.

She says China has lowered PM 2.5 particles by 30 percent in key areas.

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Japan PM under fire over suspected cronyism scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his finance minister are under fire over suspected cronyism.

Abe had tried to put behind him questions over the sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a school operator with ties to his wife.

He has repeatedly denied he or his wife did favors for a school operator which bought the land.

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China strengthens cultural legislation

China is also strengthening cultural legislation.

A legislator from the National People's Congress’ education and culture committee says the cultural relics protection, copyright and movie promotion laws were among the laws passed in the last five years.

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China plays special role for safer world: ICRC official

China has a very special role to play for a safer world and for better global development.

A senior Red Cross official says the most visible change in China over the past decades is its new role on the world stage and its greater responsibility in peacekeeping.

For the past two decades, China has devoted itself to peacekeeping missions and its contributions have earned applause and respect from the international community.

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Five dead in NY helicopter crash

And a helicopter crash in New York's East River has killed all five passengers.

New York City police say the pilot freed himself and was rescued by a passing tugboat.

The helicopter was being chartered for a photo shoot when it went down near the mayor’s residence.

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

(Produced by David Nye, Chi Jingyi and Zhao Dantong)