CGTN头条新闻2022 日本新冠确诊单日新增超7万例（在线收听）

Japan reports over 70,000 new COVID-19 cases

Xi extends congratulations on "Icebreakers" 2022 Chinese New Year celebration

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2022 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by a British trade organization.

The 48 Group Club hosted the event in London, supported by the China-Britain Business Council and the China Chamber of Commerce in the U.K.

In the 1950s, people from the British business community, including Jack Perry, broke through the blockade and started trading with China. They are hailed as the "icebreakers."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Britain.

The Chinese President has called on people of the two countries to uphold the "icebreaking" spirit and to continue expanding cooperation.

Xi sends congratulatory letter to CMG Forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the China Media Group Forum, which opened Wednesday night in Beijing with the theme "Together for a High-Tech Winter Olympics."

Xi Jinping says China is ready to deliver a simple, safe and splendid Winter Olympics and he hopes the participants at the forum will pool their wisdom and help to promote the development of Olympic winter sports.

Argentine president to attend Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics and visit China from Feb. 4 to 6.

The two countries will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties on Feb. 19.

Chinese FM holds phone talk with Tongan counterpart

The Chinese Foreign Minister has reaffirmed China's support for Tonga, which has suffered significant damage from the recent volcanic eruptions and tsunami.

Wang Yi made the remarks in a phone call with his Tongan counterpart on Wednesday.

He says China shipped relief supplies on Monday from Fiji to Tonga. The shipment will arrive in Tonga on Thursday.

Meantime, upon the request of Tonga, the Chinese military will dispatch air force transport aircraft and naval vessels to deliver disaster relief materials to the South Pacific island country.

The relief materials will be transported to Tonga in two batches.

China issues guideline to promote high-quality RCEP implementation

China will push for the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

A guideline from the government released on Wednesday says the country will align the opportunities provided by the trade pact with local development strategies, and help enterprises adapt to a more open and competitive environment.

RCEP is the world's largest free trade agreement so far. It entered into force on Jan. 1.

It was signed in 2020 by 15 Asia-Pacific countries after eight years of negotiations that started back in 2012.

China to scale up tax and fee cuts in 2022

China will continue to cut fees and taxes to support market participants this year.

Measures such as tax deductions for research and development expenses will be taken to support the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

The country will also extend tax and fee cuts for small, micro and individual businesses.

China cut about 1.1 trillion yuan, or over 170 billion U.S. dollars, of taxes and fees in 2021.

The tax deductions covered enterprises in sectors such as manufacturing, coal, power and heating.

IMF downgrades 2022 global growth forecast

The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global growth forecast as the world continues to see rising Covid-19 cases.

The IMF expects 4.4% growth this year, a reduction of half a percent compared to the previous estimate, and down from 5.9% growth in 2021.

Japan reports over 70,000 new COVID-19 cases, new all-time high

Japan confirmed over 71,000 new COVID-19 cases across the country on Wednesday, logging a new record amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

The Tokyo metropolitan government confirmed more than 14,000 new infections, exceeding the record set on Tuesday.

Western Osaka prefecture reported over 9,800 new infections on Wednesday, also logging a new record.