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Here are today's picks from our editors. 

Chinese, Portuguese leaders exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Friday exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Portugal diplomatic relations.

China and Portugal enjoy a long history of friendship, Xi said in his congratulatory message, adding that in the past four decades, the two countries, with the spirits of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and win-win, have promoted healthy and steady development of bilateral ties.

Since a comprehensive strategic partnership was established in 2005, China and Portugal have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, deepening political mutual trust as well as remarkable achievements of mutual beneficial cooperation in various areas, Xi added.

Portugal is very proud of the long-term and peaceful relations with China, Rebelo de Sousa said, adding that he believes the two countries will make unremitting efforts with firm determination and enthusiasm to promote their long-term steady friendship to continuously move forward. (Xinhua) 

ROK approves civic activists' visit to DPRK for joint new year's event

The unification ministry of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday approved the visit by civic activists to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to hold a joint new year's event with their DPRK counterparts next week.

Baik Tae-hyun, the ministry's spokesman, told a press briefing that the inter-Korean new year's event, pushed for by civic groups, was scheduled to be held in the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang from Feb 12-13, saying the travel by about 230 civic activists to the DPRK was approved.

The ROK's participants were composed of activists from various civic groups, including labor, woman, farmer, culture and youth organizations. (Xinhua) 

Strike forces Brussels Airlines to cancel all flights on Wednesday

Belgium's biggest carrier Brussels Airlines said it had cancelled all of its flights out of the Belgian capital on Wednesday due to a national strike.

Brussels Airlines is "eliminating its entire 222-flight schedule. The travel itineraries of more than 16,000 passengers are impacted," the Lufthansa subsidiary said in a statement on Friday.

Several Belgian unions are demanding salary hikes for all sectors of the economy, with the whole country expected to be at a standstill on Wednesday. (AFP) 

Apple releases update to prevent FaceTime eavesdropping

Apple has released an iPhone update to fix a software flaw that allowed people to eavesdrop on others while using FaceTime.

The bug enabled interlopers to turn an iPhone into a live microphone while using Group FaceTime. Callers were able to activate another person"s microphone remotely even before the person has accepted or rejected the call.

Apple turned off the group-chat feature last week, after a 14-year-old boy in Tucson, Arizona, discovered the flaw.

The FaceTime repair is included in the latest version of Apple"s iOS 12 system, which became available to install Thursday. (CGTN-AP) 

China to improve soccer education in schools

China will improve the soccer education in schools this year, planning to better systems of soccer popularization as well as soccer teaching and training among youth.

According to a report from China Education Daily, attention will be paid to both fostering the interest in soccer among youth and promoting high-quality coaching, training and competitions.

Professional coaches and retired players will also be encouraged to give lessons in schools. (Xinhua) 

2019 Chicago Auto Show kicks off, eyeing future development of auto industry

The 111th Chicago Auto Show, the largest in the United States, kicked off Thursday with nearly 50 auto manufacturers showcasing nearly 1,000 vehicles at the McCormick Place this year.

There will be 20 debuts during the show, with Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford, Ram, Mazda, Land Rover, Nissan, Chrysler, Harley-Davidson and Alfa Romeo all presenting their new cars.

Four indoor tracks and seven outdoor ride and drives are set up at the show this year for visitors to gain first-hand driving experience. (Xinhua) 

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

Which communication system is Alexander Graham Bell famous for?

(Answer: Telephone.)

Today's quote is from British royalty Princess Diana (1961-1997).

"Only do what your heart tells you."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, Elaine Yue Lin, and Da Hang. Music by Eugene Loner.)