President Xi stresses scientific planning, construction of water diversion project

Chinese President Xi Jinping has convened a symposium on advancing the high-quality follow-up development of China's mega water diversion project.

The president stressed the need to analyze the new situation and tasks facing the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and push for the scientific planning and construction of the project to promote the effective and economical use of water resources.

Tianwen-1 to touch down on Mars between May 15 and May 19

China's Tianwen-1 will touch down on Mars between May 15 and May 19. 

The spacecraft was launched on July 23, last year.

It entered the Mars orbit on February 10th. 

It spent the past few months preparing for the deployment of its lander and rover to the surface.

China's commerce minister pledges better service for foreign enterprises

China' commerce minister has pledged to provide better service at a symposium with foreign enterprises and chambers of commerce. 

Wang Wentao says the commerce ministry will enhance communication to deal with their problems in a timely manner.

The companies hailed China's efforts in improving the business environment, and said they are willing to increase investment in China.

China was the largest recipient of foreign direct investment last year with a 4-percent growth in FDI inflows. 

FDI into the Chinese mainland in actual use surged 38.6 percent year on year in the first four months of this year.

CMG launches Xinjiang-themed programs overseas unveiling its amazing beauty, prosperity

A series on local people's life in Xinjiang will air in in more than 10 countries over the next two months.

China Media Group is sponsoring a global screening campaign of "Let's Discover the Beauty of Xinjiang." 

The series includes documentaries, movies and cartoons depicting various aspects of the vast Chinese northwestern region. 

The programs will run in several languages including English, Arabic, and Turkish in countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Indonesia.

Fisker finalizes deal with Foxconn to make EVs in U.S. starting in 2023

American electric car maker Fisker has finalized its vehicle-assembly deal with Foxconn Technology that includes plans to open a U.S. plant in 2023. 

Four states are under consideration. They include Wisconsin where the Foxconn chairman says EVs have a promising future. 

The annual capacity for the U.S. plant will be at least 150,000 vehicles to start with. 

Foxconn's presence in the EV market has been increasing. It is involved in a joint venture with Chinese carmaker Geely, and it is aiming to provide components or services to 10 percent of the world's EVs in the coming years.

3 local COVID-19 cases reported in Anhui

The Chinese mainland has reported its first local COVID-19 cases in nearly a month. 

Li Jianhua reports.

Chinese citizens' trust in government rises to 98 percent: Survey

A survey published in Washington Post shows that Chinese people's trust in their government rose to 98 percent several months into the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey conducted last year involved close to 20,000 people from China.

The result is compared to 95 percent in 2018 World Values Survey.

Fully-vaccinated Americans can return to life without masks: CDC

U.S. health authorities say fully-vaccinated Americans no longer need masks indoors or outdoors, including in crowds.

The mask mandate was cancelled after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention faced criticism for being too slow to provide a path back to normalcy for fully vaccinated people.

However, the requirement to wear masks during travel on public transportation still stands.

Friends reunion to debut on HBO Max May 27

Fans of comedy series "Friends" have a lot to look forward to this month.

HBO Max says the long-awaited retrospective reunion with the cast will debut on May 27.

Fans will also have opportunities to stay the night at the Friends Experience in New York.

By reservation, one lucky person and one guest of their choice can stay overnight at Monica and Rachel's apartment.