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Xi extends Spring Festival greetings, expressing confidence for future

President Xi Jinping extended greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese on Sunday, ahead of the Spring Festival.

"In the past year... we have made efforts and achieved a lot," he said while addressing a festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended the greetings on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

In the speech, Xi noted that Chinese people had a hard but fulfilling year.

The Chinese economy remained steady while making progress, with new steps taken in reform and opening-up, he said.

The country actively pushed forward campaigns to defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation and prevent and control pollution, with poverty alleviation projects achieving remarkable outcomes, he said.

Xi called for efforts to create a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness and security in people, promote sustained and sound economic growth and maintain law and order to lay a crucial foundation for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with great achievements. (Xinhua) 

Record number of flights handled by Hong Kong before Chinese New Year

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of the government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region handled 2,467 flights on Saturday, setting a new single-day record, the CAD said on Sunday.

From January 23 to February 2, CAD handled almost 2,400 flights per day on average, representing an increase of about five percent compared with the 2,200 flights from last year during the same period, according to CAD officials. (Xinhua) 

Israel starts building massive fence on Gaza border

Israel says it has started reinforcing its border fence with the Gaza Strip, erecting a galvanized steel barrier 20 feet high that will run the length of the territory.

Israel’s Defense Ministry issued a statement Sunday saying it had commenced construction of an above-ground barrier that complements a subterranean wall aimed at thwarting Hamas attack tunnels beneath the border.

The fence’s construction comes after months of mass protests by Palestinians in Gaza along the border. Nearly 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since they began last March. (AP) 

Trump considers military intervention in Venezuela an 'option'

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he considers military intervention in Venezuela to be an "option" after claiming that he had turned down President Nicolás Maduro's request to meet.

When asked about military intervention and national security interests, he replied, "Well, I don't want to say that, but certainly it's something that's on the – it's an option." (CGTN) 

Chinese New Year celebration held in No. 10 Downing Street

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a Chinese New Year celebration at No. 10 Downing Street.

She welcomed families from across Britain to Downing Street for a colorful Chinese New Year reception.

Guests were treated to lights and hanging lanterns.

May said, "The UK is home to a vibrant British Chinese population and the Chinese New Year celebrations give us the opportunity to celebrate the important role that our Chinese community plays in British life." (Xinhua) 

Tesla offers cheaper Model 3 variant in China

US electric vehicle maker Tesla said it will start taking orders in China on Friday for a lower-priced version of its Model 3 car, as it seeks to accelerate China sales hit by trade friction between Washington and Beijing.

The California-based firm said in a statement that Chinese customers will be allowed to place orders for a long range, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 variant with prices starting at roughly $64,000 dollars.

Previously, the starting price for a Model 3 in China was $74,000 for an all-wheel-drive long range version. Tesla said it plans to start delivering Model 3 cars to customers in China in March. (China Daily) 

Alfonso Cuaron wins top film award for 'Roma' at Director's Guild

Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won the top film award for the monochromatic drama "Roma" at the 71st Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards held at the Hollywood and Highland Center on Saturday.

Cuaron picked up the Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, beating out fierce rivals, including Bradley Cooper for "A Star Is Born," Spike Lee for "BlacKkKlansman," Adam McKay for "Vice," and Peter Farrelly for "Green Book."

The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year and took home two trophies last month at the 76th Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language film and Best Director. (Xinhua) 

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

In English folklore, Robin Hood and his merry men lived in which woodland area?

(Answer: Sherwood Forest.)

Today's quote is from English poet Philip James Bailey (1816-1902).

"Kindness is wisdom."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)