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Here are today’s picks from our editors.
Education minister says China joint-universities are a win-win
China has enjoyed continued success in partnering with foreign universities, said Education Minister Chen Baocheng at a press conference during the first session of the 13th National People's Congress.
Higher-learning partnerships in China have been a win-win, and include NYU-Shanghai University, the University of Nottingham Ningbo and Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University.
The Education Minister said that while the country’s efforts have been reflected in the rise of China's universities in global rankings, it must not become complacent. (People’s Daily app)
Report ranks China third most innovative country worldwide
Global business leaders have ranked China as the third most innovative country worldwide, according to the GE 2018 Global Innovation Barometer Report released Friday in Shanghai.
The rankings were tabulated after 2,000 business executives responsible for R&D and product development from 20 countries and regions were surveyed to gauge feelings on global innovation.
The US was ranked at the top among business leaders, but the report did show that the country has continued to decline since 2014. (Xinhua)
Sweden says happy to help on North Korea, amid summit speculation
Sweden is happy to help resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula, but it is up to the parties involved to try to find a way forward, Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said on Friday.
She was speaking a day after North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho landed in Sweden for talks, prompting speculation the visit could lay the groundwork for meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Reuters)
South to seek talks with North for upcoming peninsula summit
Blue House officials announced Friday South Korea will seek high-level talks with North Korea in preparation for their inter-Korean summit scheduled for late April.
South Korea’s Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok said during a press briefing Seoul will push for dialogue with high-ranking Pyongyang officials by the end of this month.
The two nations will hold working-level talks in Panmunjom next week to discuss South Korea's dispatch of its artists and performers to Pyongyang next month, Im added. (Xinhua)
Philippines to withdraw from ICC
The Philippines has decided to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, said Philippines UN Ambassador Teddy Locsin Jr., on Thursday.
The Philippines said the decision to withdraw is a principled stand “against those who politicalize and weaponize human rights, even as its independent and well-functioning organs and agencies continue to exercise jurisdiction over complaints, issues, problems and concerns arising from its efforts to protect its people.”
In October 2016, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned the ICC to not threaten him with an investigation in response to criticism from the international community on his domestic anti-drug initiatives. (People’s Daily app)
Officials expect to find more bodies under collapsed bridge
Authorities said Friday that the cables suspending a pedestrian bridge were being tightened after a “stress test” when the 950-ton concrete span collapsed over traffic, killing at least six people only days after its installation was celebrated as a technological innovation.
The $14.2 million pedestrian bridge was supposed to open in 2019 as a safe way to cross six lanes of traffic between the Florida International University campus and the community of Sweetwater, where many students live.
A Florida International University student was among the fatalities, and several construction workers were among the 10 people injured. (AP)
NASA study confirms DNA changes in space
Astronaut Scott Kelly’s genes are on longer identical to his twin brother’s after spending one year aboard the International Space Station.
Results from NASA's Twins Study revealed seven percent of Scott's DNA experienced long-term transformation and did not return to normal after comparing it with his twin brother’s who remained on Earth.
The team also saw changes in Scott’s collagen, blood clotting and bone formation likely due to fluid shifts and living in a zero-gravity environment. (People’s Daily app)
Oscar winner opens in China
The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, "The Shape of Water," opened in Chinese theaters on Friday.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the fantasy drama premiered Wednesday night in Beijing.
"The Shape of Water" received 13 nominations at the 90th Academy Awards and went on to win four, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. (China.org.cn)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
Today’s quote is from British physicist Stephen Hawking.
“Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.”
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Lance Crayon, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Terry Guanlin Li, and Regina Barna.)