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This is People’s Daily app. 

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

Xi calls for concerted efforts on rural vitalization

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for concerted action on the vitalization of rural areas.

Rural vitalization is the principal strategy to advance work in agriculture and rural areas in the new era, said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

In an instruction, Xi said work should cover industry, talent, culture, the environment and rural organizations.

During the process, the rural people's enthusiasm, initiative and creativity should be stimulated so that they have a stronger sense of gain, happiness and security, Xi said.

Premier Li Keqiang has also made an instruction on rural vitalization.

Li ordered authorities to increase input in sectors relating to agriculture, rural areas and rural people, and implement favorable policies.

Hu Chunhua, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the central leading group of rural work, spoke at a national meeting Thursday on rural vitalization.

The meeting made arrangements for implementation of major tasks laid out in The Plan for Rural Vitalization Strategy (2018-2022) which was recently issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. (Xinhua)

Chinese premier arrives in Bulgaria for official visit

On Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Bulgaria for an official visit and the seventh meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) in Sofia.

This is Li's first tour to Bulgaria since taking office last year and the first visit to Bulgaria paid by a Chinese premier in 18 years.

Upon his arrival, Li said that China and Bulgaria enjoy a traditional friendship, as Bulgaria was one of the first countries to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and bilateral relations have always enjoyed a sound and stable momentum.

The China-CEEC cooperation has played a constructive role in enhancing ties between the nations and promoting the process of European integration, said Li. (Xinhua – People’s Daily app)

China removes foreign holding restrictions on railway lines

China has removed foreign holding restrictions on major railway lines in a move aimed at bringing in more foreign management expertise, Yicai Media Group reported earlier this week.

Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission and China's Ministry of Commerce released its Special Administrative Measures on Access to Foreign Investment - Negative List.

The list removed restrictions that once required Chinese companies to take control of operations during construction on railway line networks. 

It also removed the condition that Chinese companies must be the majority shareholder in railway passenger transportation companies. (Xinhua – People’s Daily app)

War discussions return after UK couple poisoned by nerve agent

After London authorities confirmed a British couple had been poisoned by Novichok, the same nerve agent used on a former Russian spy and his daughter earlier this year, a new round of discussions on a possible war between the UK and Russia began Thursday. 

UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid said, “The eyes of the world are currently on Russia, not least because of the World Cup,” and later added it was time the “Russia state comes forward and explain what has gone on.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry called on Prime Minister Theresa May to end "intrigues and games with chemical agents” following Javid’s statement. 

"This government and specifically its leadership will one day have to apologize to Russia and the international community," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. (People’s Daily app)

53 missing, 1 dead after boats capsize off Southern Thailand coast

53 people remain missing with one confirmed dead after two boats carrying 130 passengers and crewmembers capsized in rough waters off the coast of Southern Thailand’s Phuket island Thursday afternoon.

51 passengers were rescued from a vessel carrying 93 people and 12 crewmembers.

Helicopter search and rescue teams saved all 39 passengers and two crewmembers from the second capsized vessel, and safely returned them to land.  (People’s Daily app)

World Cup Quarter Finals to feature familiar foes, speed, and Neymar

The first match of the quarter finals will see teammates from professional clubs compete against one another when France and Uruguay go head-to-head July 6.

Luis Suarez will play against French defender Samuel Umtiti as both play professionally for Barcelona.

And France forward Antoine Griezmann plays at Atletico Madrid alongside Uruguayan defenders Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez.

In the second match, Brazil will battle it out with Belgium.

Speed will be another highlight as Belgium has scored almost a goal a game, more than any team in the tournament, with 12 in four matches. 

Meanwhile, Neymar, the most expensive player in the world, is expected to win the FIFA Player of the Year award should Brazil go all the way. (People’s Daily app)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

In what year was the first rocket fired? 

(Robert Goddard, a scientist, fired the first rocket using liquid propellant in 1926.)

Today’s quote is from Chinese philosopher Meng Zi.

"He who is guided by the interests of the parts of his person that are of greater importance is a great man; he who is guided by the interests of the parts of his person that are of smaller importance is a small man." 

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Terry Guanlin Li.)