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Here are today’s picks from our editors.

HK's most pressing task to end violence, chaos and restore order: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the most pressing task for Hong Kong at present is to bring violence and chaos to an end and restore order.

Xi made this clear stance of the Chinese government on Hong Kong's situation while he was attending the 11th BRICS summit in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, on Thursday.

Xi said the continuous radical violent activities in Hong Kong seriously trample rule of law and the social order, seriously disturb Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and seriously challenge the "one country, two systems" bottom line.

Xi said the Chinese government has unswerving determination to protect national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement "one country, two systems" policy and oppose any external force in interfering in Hong Kong's affairs. (Xinhua)

China lifts restrictions on US poultry imports

China has lifted restrictions on the import of poultry products from the US, according to a joint statement from the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Thursday.

In a bid to ward off the flu epidemic and protect China's poultry production, China banned poultry imports and related products from the US after avian influenza outbreaks occurred in parts of the US in 2013 and 2014.

The US implemented preventive and control measures afterward, and no new cases have been reported since March 2017. The US submitted a report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to close the event in August 2017.

In May 2018, China and the US held consultations on this issue. After a comprehensive assessment, China believes that the avian flu epidemic in the US has been effectively controlled, and the country's poultry meat regulatory system meets the requirements of relevant laws and regulations in China. (Xinhua)

At least 2 dead in California school attack; gunman shoots self

A student gunman opened fire Thursday at a high school in Southern California, killing at least two students and wounding three others before he was captured in grave condition after shooting himself in the head, authorities said.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 am at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said six people were shot, including the 16-year-old student suspect. Thursday was his birthday. No details were released on a motive.

Saugus High School and other schools in the area were locked down. (AP)

Italy to declare state of emergency in Venice after flood

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice on Tuesday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops, and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country,” met Venice's mayor and emergency services before jumping in a speed boat to visit businesses and locals affected by the tide.

Tuesday's tide was the highest water level of the historic city in 50 years. (AFP)

China to see IPO of top high-speed railway

China's top securities watchdog approved the initial public offering (IPO) application for the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, one of China's busiest high-speed rail lines.

Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway (BSHSR), to be listed on China's A-share market at the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will offer no more than 7.557 billion shares and raise funds of 50 billion yuan.

Established in 2007, the BSHSR has been one of China's most profitable rail lines, turning a profit for five years in a row since 2014. (Xinhua)

South Africa aims to establish world’s largest radio telescope observatory

South Africa’s National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday approved a convention to establish the world’s largest radio telescope observatory.

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory is an international mega-science project aimed at building the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, which will be co-located in Africa and Australia.

The convention now goes to the upper house of parliament for approval. (CGTN)

Chinese Football Association accepts Lippi's resignation

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) accepted Marcello Lippi's resignation as China coach after his team lost to Syria 2-1 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

In the statement, the CFA claimed, "We are really sorry that the unsatisfactory match results disappoint all Chinese fans."

"The CFA will reflect seriously to rebuild the team and try our best in the following World Cup qualifiers."

China will take on Maldives in their next 2022 World Cup qualifier in March 2020. (Xinhua)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

How much salt does the average human body contain?

(Answer: Around 250 grams.)

Today’s quote is from French novelist Honore de Balzac (1799-1850).

"The more one judges, the less one loves."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Da Hang. Music by Eugene Loner.)