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Proposed constitutional amendment package unveiled

On Saturday, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of China’s Constitution.  

While presiding over a study session with the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, President Xi said, “No organization or individual has the privilege to overstep the Constitution or the law. Any conduct that goes against the Constitution or the law must be punished." 

New amendment proposals to China's Constitution were made public over the weekend.

The CPC Central Committee proposed writing “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” into the country's fundamental law. 

Another proposal read, "The term of office of the President and Vice-President of the People's Republic of China is the same as that of the National People's Congress.” (People’s Daily app)

President Xi Jinping sends welcome greetings during PyeongChang closer

In a video clip aired during the closing ceremony for the 23rd Winter Olympics, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the world to visit Beijing in 2022 as preparations are already underway to host the next Winter Olympiad.  

President Xi said, “Together with all the Chinese people, I welcome friends from all over the world. See you in Beijing in 2022. A warm welcome to you all, a warm welcome to our friends.”

The eight-minute segment was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and was centered around technology and future advancements rather than China’s historical past. (People’s Daily app)

China ends PyeongChang with 9 medals, sights set on next Winter host role

As the 23rd Winter Olympics concluded Sunday, Team China’s total medal haul included one gold, six silvers, and two bronze.

Short track speed skater Wu Dajing set two world records to win the men's 500-meter short track event.  Wu also led his team to silver in the 5,000-meter relay and was the flag bearer for Team China during Sunday’s closing ceremony. 

China also found success in a new sport as snowboarder Liu Jiayu won silver in the women's halfpipe – the country's first medal in the event. 

China will now focus its efforts entirely on hosting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. (People’s Daily app)

UN Council passes Syrian ceasefire

On Saturday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a 30-day ceasefire in Syria calling for humanitarian aid and medical relief to be provided, specifically in the insurgent-occupied northeastern region of Ghouta.

China’s Ambassador to the UN, Ma Zhaoxu, said that through the efforts of all concerned parties, the Council was able to reach a solution encompassing a member state consensus.

Since the Syrian conflict began nearly seven years ago, the Security Council has been deeply divided, with Russia backing President Bashar al-Assad's government with the US, Britain, and France supporting opposition forces. (People’s Daily app)

North Korea open to US dialogue while condemning latest sanctions

Blue House officials in South Korea announced that the high-ranking delegation from North Korea showed Pyongyang's willingness to talk with the US. 

South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a closed-door meeting with the North Korean delegation who had come to attend the closing ceremony for the 23rd Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

On Sunday, North Korea condemned the latest round of sanctions imposed by the US with accusations of undermining inter-Korean relations during the Winter Olympics. 

North Korea’s foreign ministry said, “This move by the US ignored North Korea’s effort for improving inter-Korean relations and for preserving peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.” (Xinhua)

China develops AI disease tracker

Chinese scientists have created an artificial intelligence system that will help classify and diagnose treatable human diseases. 

A research team at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center developed the AI technology to help identify pediatric pneumonia and common treatable blinding retinal diseases at their early stages.

The team said the AI system had demonstrated job performance skills comparable to that of human experts.

The AI tool could ultimately aid in disease diagnosis, which would lead to earlier treatment and result in higher recovery rates among patients.  (People’s Daily app)

In year of #MeToo women win big at Berlin Filmfest