This is People’s Daily Tonight, your news source from China. 

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China's national legislature holds closing meeting of annual session

The second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) held its closing meeting Friday morning.

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the closing meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Legislators adopted China's first unified foreign investment law, demonstrating the country's resolve to pursue a new stage of high-level opening up.

They also approved resolutions on the government work report, and the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. (Xinhua)

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British lawmakers overwhelmingly back Brexit delay

British lawmakers approved by 412 votes to 202 a motion setting out the option to ask the EU for a short delay if parliament can agree on a Brexit deal by March 20 – or a longer delay if no deal can be agreed in time.

The vote means the UK may not leave on March 29 as previously planned. Lawmakers also rejected a call for a second referendum. Only 85 MPs voted in favor of a second referendum and 334 voted against.

The short delay granted by the motion could last until June 30, if MPs back Theresa May's Brexit deal in a vote next week. But May has warned that if MPs can't agree upon a deal in the coming days, she would ask for an even longer extension. (CGTN)

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China determined to implement larger tax, fee cuts: Premier Li

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Friday that the country is determined to implement larger scale tax and fee cuts this year as a key countermeasure against downward economic pressure.

The move is expected to deliver a dividend of nearly two trillion yuan (about $297 billion) to the companies, Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.

Noting that the reform requires exceptional courage and determination, Li said the government must live on a tight budget given the drop in fiscal revenues.

"This is not something taking an overdraft on our future, but nurturing a better tomorrow," he said. (Xinhua)

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At least 40 people were killed in multiple shootings in the two mosques of New Zealand's Christchurch on Friday afternoon.

Several gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch, according to local media. Witnesses described that there are much blood and multiple deaths. At least 50 rounds of gunshots were heard during the shooting, said one witness.

Some reports also said that gunshots happened in at least six different places.  

People are recommended by the police to stay indoor. All mosques nationally are urged to shut their doors, and people are advised to refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.

Armed police have been deployed. Local streets and schools are locked down. (Xinhua)

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China adopts foreign investment law

China's national legislature on Friday passed the foreign investment law, a landmark legislation that will provide stronger protection and a better business environment for overseas investors.

At around 9 a.m. Friday, an overwhelming majority of the deputies voted in favor of it at the closing meeting of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC). The law will become effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

With unified provisions for the entry, promotion, protection, and management of foreign investment, it is a new and fundamental law for foreign investment in China.

It aims to improve the transparency of foreign investment policies and ensure that foreign-invested enterprises participate in market competition on an equal basis. (Xinhua)

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US Senate rejects Trump's national emergency

The US Senate voted Wednesday to end the national emergency declared by President Trump over the situation on the southern border.

The resolution has already passed the House of Representatives and will next be on President Trump's desk. Trump has made it clear that he will use his veto power to block the resolution.

Trump declared national emergency on the southern US border last month, citing drug trafficking and illegal border crossings as threats to border security.

Trump's decision was largely aimed at bypassing the Congress to fund a wall along the US-Mexico border, which is one of his major campaign promises.

However, the unconventional move has drawn strong opposition from congressional Democrats and some Republican lawmakers. (People's Daily app)

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Wang Yi to attend ninth China-EU High Level Strategic Dialogue

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the ninth China-EU High Level Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, Belgium, on March 18, at the invitation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced at a regular press conference on Thursday, noting that Wang Yi will have deep communications with other EU foreign ministers at a working lunch on that day.

China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership was established in 2003 and the two sides held eight dialogues successful in the past years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Europe later this month in another signal that the continent remains a priority on China's political agenda. (CGTN)

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And that’s People’s Daily Tonight.  Thanks for joining us.

(Produced by Wangxiangyu and Wang Zi)