Xi stresses role of basic research in China's sci-tech strength

China assumes presidency of the UN Security Council in May. Permanent Representative Fu Cong says the priorities are revitalizing the role of the UN, promoting the development of African countries, and advancing the political settlement of the Middle East issue.

The first day of the May Day holiday has seen over 340 million trips across China, up nearly 3.5 percent from a year ago.

A European Commission spokesperson says the European Union will keep options open to protect its interests if the U.S. breaches the trade agreement between the two sides, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that he will raise tariffs to 25 percent on cars and trucks imported from the E.U. next week.

Airbus has won another major order from China, extending a months-long run of large aircraft deals in its biggest single-country market. China Southern Airlines and a subsidiary will purchase 137 A320neo aircraft.

China's Ministry of Commerce has expressed strong opposition to the latest U.S. move seeking to impose restrictions targeting test and certification as well as telecom-related sectors, urging the U.S. to respect market laws and revoke the measures.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global economic crisis.

The first shipment of African goods under China's expanded zero-tariff policy has arrived, with 24 metric tons of South African apples clearing customs in Shenzhen.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and constitutes the biggest risk in China-U.S. relations. He was speaking in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China hopes that Belgium will play an active role within the European Union in facilitating the proper handling of EU-China economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged greater efforts to strengthen basic research, enhance China's capacity for original innovation, and further solidify the foundation for building the country's strength in science and technology.