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Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China-Africa cooperation fundamental for Africa's success: UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that China-Africa cooperation is fundamental for Africa's success.

Speaking at a joint interview with Chinese correspondents one day before his trip to Beijing for the upcoming summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Guterres said: "I am a true believer that the success of the world in development and peace depends on Africa's success, and China's cooperation with Africa is fundamental for Africa's success."

He said that China's cooperation with Africa is not only aimed at economic cooperation but also is an important pathway to improve global development patterns, global governance, and the healthy development of economic globalization. (Xinhua)

Beijing, Manila discuss rescue of Philippine warship stranded near Nanshan Islands: FM

Beijing is discussing with Manila the prospect of providing search and rescue assistance to a Philippine warship stranded near the reefs of the Nanshan Islands, according to Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese marine police ship is already at the scene of the accident. China’s professional maritime search and rescue vessel Nanhai Rescue 115 is located in nearby waters. The Chinese government is discussing with the Philippines details on providing search and rescue support.

Philippine Navy frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar ran aground on Aug. 29 in the South China Sea. (People’s Daily app)

Russia blocks UN Security Council report on North Korea

Russia has blocked the publication of a UN report on the implementation of sanctions against North Korea because it disagrees with some of its findings, Moscow's UN envoy said on Thursday.

Russia's objection stemmed mainly from a section of the report that said North Korea exceeded its 2018 import cap for oil that was set by the 2017 sanctions, as per a diplomatic source speaking on condition of anonymity.

The US in July demanded without success an end to all oil exports, citing satellite photos and expert reports that claimed illegal ship-to-ship transfers had allowed Pyongyang to evade sanctions. (CGTN)

Rebel leader signs South Sudan peace deal

South Sudanese rebel chief Riek Machar on Thursday signed a peace deal aimed at ending a brutal five-year civil war that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

Machar and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir have held weeks of talks in Sudan’s capital.

Earlier this month, the two parties inked several agreements, including a permanent ceasefire and a power-sharing deal that sees Machar returning as first vice president.

The accord is expected to lead to the formation of a transitional government to be in power until elections are held. (CGTN)

Trump threatens to withdraw US from WTO, again

US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to pull his country out of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a move that could further undermine the global trading system and economic stability.

"If they don't shape up, I would withdraw from the WTO," Trump said during an interview with Bloomberg News.

The head of the WTO called earlier this year for restraint and urgent dialogue within its system to stop trade frictions from damaging the world economy.

Trump has attacked the WTO for what he calls unfair treatment for the world's largest economy, while urging the Geneva-based body to "change their ways." (Xinhua)

China adopts e-commerce law to improve market regulation

China's top legislators on Friday passed an e-commerce law aimed at improving regulation over the flourishing market.

It was adopted after a fourth reading at the bi-monthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The law, which is set to "protect legal rights and interests of all parties" and "maintain the market order," requires all e-commerce operators to fulfill their obligations to protect consumers' rights and interests as well as personal information, intellectual property rights, cyberspace security and the environment.

The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. (Xinhua)

Cruise tells Chinese fans 'I love you' during premiere of latest film

The cast and crew of “Mission: Impossible ─ Fallout,” including director Christopher McQuarrie and actors Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill and Simon Pegg, attended the film’s China premiere in Beijing on Wednesday.

The sixth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series will begin its China release on August 31.

The film has received praise from both critics and audiences overseas and has already grossed $539 million worldwide.

Cruise expressed his gratitude to his Chinese fans, telling them “I love you” in Chinese. (shine.cn)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What is the highest city in the world?

(Answer: La Paz, the administrative and de facto capital of Bolivia, stands at an altitude of 3,631 meters above sea level.)

Today’s quote is from German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

“Education is the art of making man ethical.”

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, and Raymond Mendoza.)