We will have the first open discussion of the Year of the Ox tomorrow. I many of you will join.

Today’s Essential Eight items:

1. Ceremony to mark victory in poverty alleviation

2. Rural revitalization

3. Xi working to charm Macron

4. Confirmation hearing for USTR Ambassador-designate Katherine Tai

5. Xie Zhenhua and a new office on climate issues

6. US prevails in diplomatic rearguard action

7. Failed efforts at enlightenment?

8. BiliBili

Thanks for reading.