【听 · 焦点】贝克汉姆的球队正式成立

China's top legislature discusses proposal on Constitution revision

The National People's Congress Standing Committee has convened to discuss amending the Constitution.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the 12th NPC Standing Committee, is presiding over the meetings.

At its second plenary session earlier this month, the 19th CPC Central Committee adopted a proposal that includes the incorporation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

In 1982, the fifth NPC adopted the present Constitution, which was amended in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2004.

Lawmakers also reviewed a motion about the first session of the 13th NPC and a number of official appointments and dismissals. 

Free zone of Gwadar port inaugurated to boost regional development 

The first phase of Gwadar Port's Free Zone in southwestern Pakistan has been inaugurated.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi says the free zone will help facilitate regional and global trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

According to the operator of Gwadar port, 30 companies including hotels, banks, logistics and fish processing have entered the free zone, with direct investment of about 474 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, the first Gwadar International Expo has been kicked off in the free zone and has attracted business from Iran, China, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. 

EU says it will react swiftly if Trump restricts EU trade 

The European Commission says the EU is ready to react swiftly if the United States restricts its exports.

Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas says that the European Union does not view trade as a zero-sum game.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Britain's ITV that he had a lot of problems with the EU and that it could "morph into something big" on trade.

（这里有一句留给大家来填空，记得听完留言写下你的答案哦！）

The European Commission says that it regretted the U.S. move, had serious doubts that it met World Trade Organization conditions and would analyze the impact on EU exports. 

NAFTA 6th round talks conclude with progress 

Canada, the United States and Mexico have concluded their sixth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations in Montreal with a chapter on corruption, but are still at odds on other key issues.

The representatives of the three countries told a press conference that some progress has been made, while acknowledging that tough challenges still lie ahead to strike a new deal.

The sixth round reportedly closed on a more conciliatory note than expected, with all three countries looking forward to more progress in the next round of talks, which will be held in Mexico City in late February. 

FBI Deputy Director McCabe steps down: reports 

FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has reportedly stepped down, ahead of his planned retirement in March.

Media reports say McCabe will remain on the FBI payroll until he is eligible to retire with full benefits in mid-March.

A career civil servant who had served at the FBI since 1996, McCabe has been at the center of ongoing tensions between the agency and Republicans.

Republican lawmakers have lashed out at him, alleging systemic bias against President Donald Trump at the top tier of the FBI. 

Colombia suspends peace talks with ELN rebels after bomb attacks

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has suspended peace talks with ELN rebels after a series of bombings over the weekend killed seven police officers and injured dozens.

The country's Defence Minister blamed the ELN for the attacks, adding that the violence raised the question of whether the group wants peace.

The ELN and the government have been in formal peace talks for nearly a year, and the two sides agreed to their first-ever ceasefire in October.

But the rebels launched a new offensive when the ceasefire expired earlier this month. 

Alibaba, Foxconn lead $350 million funding in electric car startup 

Alibaba and Foxconn have led a 2.2-billion-yuan investment in a Chinese electric car startup.

The latest injection brings the value of Xiaopeng Motors to 5 billion yuan.

Alibaba also participated in the company's earlier round of funding in December.

Xiaopeng is one of a number of Chinese firms looking to develop battery-powered technology in a potential challenge to global leaders like Tesla.

Its first vehicle is expected to hit market this year.

Alibaba has invested heavily in smart car technology.

It is in partnership with traditional carmakers like Ford and BMW on this front. 

David Beckham launches Miami Major League Soccer team 

Former England captain David Beckham has launched his long-planned Major League Soccer team in Miami.

Beckham exercised an option in his contract with former side LA Galaxy to buy an expansion franchise in 2014.

The as yet unnamed team is set to play at a 25-thousand-seat stadium in the city's Overtown neighbourhood.

（以上文稿仅供参考）

上期回顾： 喀布尔恐袭死亡人数升至103人

上期答案：The poll also says only 13 percent of the public believed that Taiwan's economy improved from the previous year, while more than 40 percent thought the economy deteriorated.

跟随英语环球，天天进步就从这每日一题开始吧！