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Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China releases guidelines on expanding imports

China on Monday publicized guidelines on expanding imports for balanced foreign trade, with policy incentives detailed in several areas.

China should keep exports stable while at the same time further expanding imports, according to the guidelines, which were approved and released by the State Council.

China will optimize the structure of imports to support upgrading production and consumption, with tariff cuts in certain products and clean-up of unreasonable price mark-ups, the guidelines said.

Policy incentives will be given to imports of daily consumer goods, medicine, and equipment for rehabilitation and elderly care.

China will optimize the layout of its international market, focusing on the expansion of imports from countries related to the Belt and Road Initiative. (Xinhua)

42 saved, 5 remain missing from capsized tourist boat in Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Monday pledged to make all-out efforts in the ongoing search and rescue operation in the Phuket boat accident.

The prime minister said Thailand and China have shared a brotherhood for hundreds of years, so Chinese people in Thailand should be taken care of like Thai people.

Phuket’s provincial governor said on Monday that 42 people were killed, five were missing and 42 passengers rescued in the capsizal accident of boat "Phoenix.” (Xinhua - People's Daily app)

Jubilation as 4 more boys rescued from flooded Thai cave

Eight of the 12 boys trapped in a cave system in northern Thailand are safe and recuperating in a hospital after another four were brought out by divers on the second day of a high-stakes rescue operation, a top official said.

The boys are “safe and conscious,” said Chiang Rai’s acting provincial governor.

Monday’s operation took nine hours, with rescuers encouraged by the experience they’ve accumulated, according to the governor. (AP - People’s Daily app)

Britain's Brexit minister David Davis steps down

Britain's Brexit minister David Davis has resigned two days after the cabinet approved a plan to retain strong alignment with the European Union even after leaving the bloc, British media reported on Sunday.

The 69-year-old had reportedly threatened to quit several times over a perceived lack of firmness in Britain's negotiating stance but had remained strictly loyal to the prime minister in public.

Labor Party chairman Ian Lavery said: "This is absolute chaos and Theresa May has no authority left. (AFP - People's Daily app)

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge completed

Construction work on the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge is now complete.

Part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese-financed project was officially launched during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Maldives in 2014.

The 2-kilometer-long bridge links the Maldives' capital Malé to the island of Hulhulé, where an international airport is located. (China Plus - People's Daily app)

Microplastics found in organisms 4,500 meters under the ocean

Recent research shows that deep sea animals have ingested microplastics.

This startling discovery shows the far-reaching effects of plastic pollution and its damage on marine ecosystems.

Microplastics, defined by scientists as particles under five millimeters in size, have been widely spread in oceans, becoming a major pollutant.

Wang Hong, Director of China’s State Oceanic Administration, said that China had begun to prevent microplastics from polluting the ocean. (People's Daily app)

Croatia wants to surprise England’s Pickford

Croatia said it wants to surprise England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during World Cup semifinals.

Pickford played just three games for England before the World Cup but has produced some key saves to help his team reach the semifinals for the first time since 1990.

Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic notes that Pickford has been doing well at the tournament but says “all members of our team are dangerous for the opponents, so I imagine somebody will find a way to surprise him.”

Mandzukic dismissed suggestions Croatia would struggle because of playing extra time and being forced into penalty shootouts in its last two knockout games, saying “if we had to play today, we would do it.” (AP - People's Daily app)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

When was the last time all four semi-finalists in the World Cup were from Europe?

 (2006.)

Today’s quote is from American professional boxer and philanthropist Muhammad Ali:

"Don't count the days. Make the days count."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, and Raymond Mendoza.)