新闻纵贯线 The Beijing Hour updated 08:00 2014/03/27

The Beijing Hour
 
Morning Edition

 
Paul James with you on this Thursday day, March 27, 2014.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
The discovery of over 120 new objects in the southern Indian Ocean is helping streamline the search for missing flight MH370.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen the signing of a number of agreements following a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris.
A court in New York has convicted the son-in-law of Osama Bin Laden on terrorism charges.
In Business... Bank of China is the latest of the 'big four' to unveil its full-year numbers for last year.
In sports.... the Beijing Ducks are now one win away from hoisting the CBA championship trophy.
In entertainment.... another of Taylor Swift's stalkers has been slapped with a court-order.
But first... lets get a check on the weather...
 
 
Weather
 
 
Beijing, the smog will continue during the daytime, with a high of 24 degree Celsius.
Overnight, it will turn cloudy and might see a shower or two, with a low of 13.
Shanghai will be mostly cloudy, the highest of 21, and the temperatures dip down to 13 degrees in the night.
Chongqing will see showers today with a high of 22.
Overnight lows are expected to be around 16.
Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia.
Islamabad will be sunny with a high of 28.
Kabul will be cloudy with a high of 15.
Over to North America.
New York will be sunny today with a high of 7 degrees.
Washington will be overcast, the highest of 5 degrees.
Houston, Texas will see moderate rain on Thursday with a high of 25.
Honolulu, cloudy, 26.
Toronto, Canada, will see slight rain with a high of 2 degree.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires will see slight rain with a high of 26.
And Rio de Janeiro will be rainy with a high of 25 degrees Celsius.
 
 
Top News
 
 
Search for MH370 further narrowed down to a debris field as 122 floating objects spotted
 
Anchor:
A French satellite scanning the southern Indian Ocean for remains of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has found a possible plane debris field containing over 120 objects.
News of this has come shortly after an Australian satellite detected two large objects and a Chinese satellite detected one in the same area.
CRI's Jordan Lee has more.
Reporter:
The search for the missing jetliner is expected to be streamlined even further, as the search area has been further narrowed down following Wednesday's discoveries.
Malaysia's acting transport minister is Hishammuddin Hussein.
"MRSA analysed the images and in one area of the ocean, measuring some 400 square kilometres, were able to identify 122 potential objects. Some objects were a metre in length, others were as much as 23 metres in length. Some of the objects appeared to be bright, possibly indicating solid material."
The new images captured by French satellites are in roughly the same area where Australian and Chinese air searches have spotted three large objects.
The latest satellite images, based on the large number of objects they show, are the first to suggest that a debris field from the plane may be floating in the area.
Three Chinese warships have reached the region, joining the multinational air searches led by Australia.
More Chinese military and civilian vessels are also on the way.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei.
"Currently, in the suspect area, besides an Australian supply ship there are no other ships or aircrafts searching for the debris. So after the Chinese vessels arrive, it will enhance the search effort performed with aircraft, which will help to find the floating objects."
In Kuala Lumpur, Chinese special envoy and Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui has met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
He has been dispatched to the Malaysian capital by President Xi Jinping to press authorities there to do everything possible to locate the missing plane.
Back here in Beijing, a high-level Malaysian delegation has briefed the families of the missing Chinese passengers on the latest developments.
The delegation has also been offered a further explanation of the announcement by the Malaysian prime minister about why Malay authorities believe the missing airliner went down in the southern Indian Ocean.
The briefing has been held behind closed doors, something the families of the missing say they didn't want.
"Well, they refused all the media to get in. We, the relatives, want all the media to get in because we think it would be a good thing. But they refuse and there is no reason this time."
A number of foreign and Chinese law firms with experience in airline accidents are now offering legal support for the families.
Malaysia Airlines has yet to discuss compensation.
But the company's chief insurer, Allianz, has begun the financial compensation process.
For CRI, I'm Jordan Lee.
 
 
Chinese, French presidents hold talks in Paris
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sat down for talks with French President Francois Hollande in Paris.
The two are said to have discussed issues of common concern and the two country's bilateral ties.
Xi Jinping is in France to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.
As part of his time in France, Xi Jinping is expected to sign a number of agreements in areas, including nuclear energy, aviation, urbanization, agriculture and finance.
France is the 2nd leg of the Chinese President's current European trip, which will also see him make stops in Germany and Belgium.
Xi Jinping began his trip in the Netherlands.
 
 
Bin Laden's son-in-law convicted in New York court
 
The son-in-law of Osama Bin Laden has been convicted of conspiring to kill Americans by serving as al Qaeda's spokesperson following the 9/11 attacks.
The jury in New York has returned a guilty verdict against Suliman Abu Ghaith on three charges.
They include conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiring to provide support to al-Qaeda and providing support to al-Qaeda.
The convictions carry a potential life sentence.
Sentencing is set for September 8th.
Abu Ghaith's court-appointed lawyer, Stanley Cohen, says they will appeal.
"From the very beginning, this case was wrapped in a shroud of secrecy and an inability to get access to people. It continued throughout right up to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed."
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is the man accused of masterminding the 9/11 attacks.
Abu Ghaith, a 48-year-old Kuwaiti-born preacher, is the highest-profile bin Laden adviser to face trial in a U.S. civilian court since the September 11th attacks.
Testifying in his own defense during his three-week trial, Abu Ghaith denied he knew of any plots against Americans or ever became a member of al-Qaeda.
Abu Ghaith is married to bin Laden's eldest daughter Fatima.
She is one of nearly two dozen children bin Laden is believed to have fathered before he was killed in May of 2011.
Abu Ghaith was captured in Jordan last year.
 
 
Call-in with David Keaton on Xi Jinping's France Visit
 
Anchor:
For more on Xi Jinping's time in France, we spoke this morning earlier with our special correspondent David Keaton, who is covering the Chinese President's trip to France.
David Keaton, our special correspondent covering Xi Jinping's time in France.
 
 
Obama says NATO needs a regular presence in eastern Europe
 
U.S. President Barack Obama now says NATO needs a regular presence in eastern Europe to help protect countries that feel vulnerable following Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Following a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, Obama says talks among NATO foreign ministers next week should study plans to ensure a regular NATO presence in Eastern European countries.
"One thing that I have had suggested to the heads of states and governments that are NATO members is that we examine those plans to make sure they are updated that we do more to ensure that a regular NATO presence among some of these states that may feel vulnerable is executed. I think there are ways that we do that that can be accommodated by our existing assets."
Obama is also voicing concern about declining military budgets among certain NATO countries.
Obama and European Union leaders also say they're moving to hasten the completion of a Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership that will remove trade barriers between the US and the EU.
Obama and his European counterparts are suggesting the trans-Atlantic trade deal will be an antidote to Russia's influence in the region and a way to help Europe become less dependent on Moscow for energy.
 
 
Kiev claims 6 Ukrainian militaries captured in Crimea
 
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says at least 6 Ukrainian military officers have been taken captive in Crimea.
Those being held are said to include five officers and one general.
Ukrainian authorities say they don't yet know where the soldiers are being held.
Local media reports earlier in the day on Wednesday suggested that 8 Ukrainian soldiers and 2 civilians were detained by Russian and Crimean armed forces.
Word of this comes as Russian forces take final control of all military installations in Crimea following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops.
At the same time, Russia is dismissing reports it is mobilizing troops along its border with mainland Ukraine.
 
 
Egypt's Sisi announces presidential bid
 
Egypt's military chief is officially running for president.
Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, in making his announcement, has also officially given up his post as the head of the Egyptian military and defense minister.
Al-Sisi has been widely expected to make the move.
He's become widely popular after leading the military movement to ouster former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.
Many political observers in Egypt expect al-Sisi will be able to carry the popular vote to become president when elections are held later this year.
 
 
Taliban says talks with the Pakistan government make a positive start
 
Peace talks between the Taliban and the Pakistani government are underway.
The Taliban is describing their opening session as a positive step.
Taliban lead negotiator Molana Sami ul Haq.
"The start of the negotiations has been good and I am sure it will help restore peace. I personally consider this meeting good news. I hope with the help of God that we will not be disappointed and Allah the almighty will bless the nation with peace."　　
The direct talks between the Pakistani government and the Taliban are being held in secret location in the country's northwest tribal region.
Although previous Pakistani governments have spoken directly with Taliban representatives, these are the first direct negotiations since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took office in June.
Ahead of these talks, the Tablian agreed to a one-month truce, which helped lay the groundwork for the rapprochement.
 
 
British teachers strike against "unfair" pay, pension system
 
Schools across Britain are expected to return to normal classes today, following a nation-wide strike by teachers on Wednesday.
Thousands of schools across the UK were shut down yesterday amid a one-day strike by the National Union of Teachers.
The teachers walked off the job en masse to protest, what they feel, are excessive workloads, an unfair pension arrangement and an unwanted pay system.
Marches and rallies took place in some 30-cities around the UK.
Britain’s Education Minister is on-record saying the current pay and pension structures are "fixed" for teachers.
 
 
Central Bank to better regulate internet finance market
 
Anchor:
China's central bank appears to be setting down its limits when it comes to internet finance following a move this month to suspend virtual credit cards and payments across the country.
The People's Bank of China says the move is meant to regulate the e-finance market and reduce potential risks.
CRI's Li Dong has details.
Reporter:
An online shopping boom has precipitated a scramble by e-commerce leaders like Alibaba and Tencent to give customers a quick and convenient way to pay, as well as a better means of "wealth management."
While a maximum interest rate of 3.3 percent is available annually on bank deposits, Alibaba's Yu'ebao, an online money-market fund, and similar e-finance services are offering nearly 6 percent interest on deposits and promise users flexibility, including capital transfer or withdrawal at any time without losing interest.
But, as they have attracted more and more both big and small investors, there is a growing concern about the security of these newly-emerging e-finance services.
The PBoC issued a notice earlier this month suspending Tencent and Alibaba's planned virtual credit cards and payments via code scanning over "security" concerns.
Mu Huaiming, director of the PBoC's Legal Affairs Department, says detailed regulations will be made in the purpose of developing a safer and healthier e-finance market.
Act1 Chinese Male
"The development of e-finance should adopt a principle of benefiting the material economy, like boosting a more efficient distribution of resources and employment. Plus, e-finance should also be helpful to macro-control and the stabilization of the financial market. Some products may cause the fluctuation of the financial market. Traditional financial services have supervision; there should also be supervision to these e-finance services."
Fan Shuangwen, deputy director of the PBoC's Department of Payment and Settlement adds, authorities are obliged to make safety regulations for products like virtual credit card, to better protect e-finance consumers.
Act2 Chinese Male
"The black market for buying and selling ID cards still exists. Making and using virtual credit cards may boost such illegal businesses and harm the interest of actual ID card holders."
A regulation specifically controlling capital transfer and consumption through third-party online services was also leaked on the internet.
The leaked regulation states that transfers should not exceed 1,000 yuan per transaction, and there will be an annual 10-thousand yuan limit on transactions made through these services.
Mu Huaiming says that the so-called leaked regulation is just a draft edition, and more discussions on it need to be conducted for improvement, adding that the regulation will be a balanced decision between the supervision department, third-party payment services and consumers.
For CRI, I am Li Dong.
 
 
Biz Reports
 
 
The U.S. stock markets finished lower Wednesday after mid-afternoon selling intensified after President Barack Obama, in a speech in Brussels, called for further economic sanctions against Russia.
Stocks rose in the morning on the back of a strong headline numbers for durable-goods orders, as well as hopes for additional European and Chinese stimulus measures.
But those gains soon evaporated.
The S&P 500 ended 0.7% lower.
The Nasdaq finished 1.4%, lower.
The tech-heavy index has officially turned negative for the year and is now underperforming the S&P 500.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.6%.
European stocks rose Wednesday, gaining on the possibility that the European Central Bank will enact further stimulus measures.
ECB officials on Tuesday indicated they are considering stepping-up a battle against low inflation.
In country-specific indexes, Germany's DAX rose 1.2%.
France's CAC 40 gained 0.9%.
The FTSE in London ended virtually flat.
 
 
BOC's 11% rise in Q4 profit beats view
 
The Bank of China is the latest of the "big four" banks here in China to report its full-year profits, recording a net profit increase of 12.5-percent this past year.
The Bank pulled in nearly 160-billion yuan last year, up from less than 140-billion in 2012.
At the same time, the state lender is reporting its fourth-quarter net profits have come in at almost 6 billion US dollars, increasing 11 percent over the same period in 2012.
The BOC's non-performing loan ratio has come in flat at below 1-percent on a quarterly basis.
Net interest income for the bank came in at 10.4-percent in 2013.
Gains in net fees and commissions are up 17.4-percent.
 
 
The CDB and Barclays sign a new memorandum
 
Anchor
British bank Barclays and the China Development Bank have signed a new strategic memorandum.
The move is said to be part of CDB's broader goal of becoming a commercial lender.
China Development Bank became a shareholder in Barclays in 2007.
The two firms' existing cooperation has been focused mainly on staff training and banking opportunities within China.
For more on this, we're joined live now by Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
Questions
1, We know that China Development Bank Corporation, or CDB, is a state-run bank who lend money to Chinese state-run enterprises which want to expand their overseas operations.
Why does the CDB need a further cooperation with Barclays?
2, The further cooperation can help Chinese companies to invest or expand their operations abroad?
3, It is reported that the CDB is seeking to turn itself into a commercial lender. So after the deal, could you explain the CDB is transforming itself?
Back Anchor:
Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
 
 
Tencent might invest in Youku Tudou
 
China's internet service provider Tencent is reportedly considering acquiring a 20-percent stake in online video company Youku-Tudou.
The deal is said to be worth more than 300 million US dollars.
It's being reported Tencent's video website v.qq.com will also be transferred to Youku-Tudou.
Both Tencent and Youku-Tudou aren't commenting.
There has been speculation that both Tencent and Alibaba are interested in investing in Youku-Tudou.
Youku-Tudou topped China's online video sector last year in terms of user visits, ahead of both Sohu and Baidu.
Meanwhile, Tencent has confirmed it's buying a 28 percent stake in South Korean mobile gaming firm CJ Games for 500 million US dollars.
 
 
Alibaba starts entertainment funding platform
 
China's e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba is rolling out a new investment platform, Yu'lebao, or entertainment treasure, on its Taobao mobile phone application.
The new app will let users invest in the potential profits of entertainment programs through the Yu'lebao platform.
The minimum investment is 100 yuan.
So far investors can choose from four movies and an online game to put their money on.
Users of Yu'lebao invest in a certain movie or game through insurance assets management product provided by Shanghai-based Guohua Life Insurance.
The new investment option is said to have an average return of 7-percent annually.
 
 
China cuts retail oil prices
 
The retail price of gasoline and diesel is down as of today.
The cut, the third of this year, has brought down retail prices of gasoline by 0.1 yuan per liter.
Diesel prices are down 0.11 yuan.
Under the current pricing system, the price of oil products are adjusted when international crude oil prices change more than 50 yuan per ton of gasoline and diesel over 10 working days.
 
 
Airbus to supply 70 jets to China, worth more than $10bn
 
Airbus has secured a new deal to supply 70 jets to China.
The deal is worth more than 10-billion US dollars.
The deal had been on hold because of a row between China and the EU over carbon emission taxes on flights.
The order includes 27 long-haul A330s and 43 smaller A320s.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also overseen the signing of a new 10-year agreement allowing Airbus to continue building planes in Tianjin until 2025.
Airbus' helicopter division has also announced a deal to provide a thousand civilian helicopters to China over the next 20 years.
 
 
Australia to IPO Country's Largest Health Insurer
 
The Australian government is privatizing the country's largest health insurance provider.
Medibank Private is going private via an initial public offering.
It's expected to be valued at around 3.7-billion US dollars.
Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann says the Medibank Private IPO is expected to take place around July.
The precise timing and the structure of the sale have not been determined.
Medibank Private has nearly 4 million members.
It made a 290-million US dollar profit last year.
Medibank Private controls around 30-percent of the Australian health insurance market.
 
 
Italy's March Consumer Confidence Jumps with New Government
 
Consumer confidence in Italy has hit highest level in almost three years in March.
Italy's consumer confidence index has jumped to 101.7 in March.
This is up from 97.7 in February.
The March figure is the highest since June 2011.
The economic outlook projections have also climbed to 105.5 from 99.1 in February.
Observers say the formation of the new Italian government under Matteo Renzi has helped bolster economic confidence.
Consumer confidence figures in Italy cover a range from 0 to 200, with 100 being the median.
 
 
French Unemployment Keeps Rising in February, Hitting New Record
 
The number of jobseekers in France has risen to a fresh record in February.
The French labour ministry is reporting the number of people unemployed in France has grown by almost one percent last month to a new record of more than 3.3-million.
This represents an increase of 4.7-percent on an annualized basis.
Analysts are suggesting the eurozone's second largest economy needs to see it economic growth increase by at least by 1 percent to start absorbing the growing slice of unemployed.
The French government's GDP growth target for this year has been set at 0.9-percent.
 
 
Headline News
 
 
Chinese, French presidents hold talks in Paris
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sat down for talks with French President Francois Hollande in Paris.
The two are said to have discussed issues of common concern and the two country's bilateral ties.
They've also overseen the signing of a number of collaborative deals.
France is the 2nd leg of the Chinese President's current European trip, which will also see him make stops in Germany and Belgium.
 
 
Possible debris field found in southern Indian Ocean
 
A French satellite scanning the southern Indian Ocean for remains of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has found a possible debris field containing over 120 objects.
As such, search for the missing jetliner is expected to be streamlined even further.
The new images captured by French satellites are in roughly the same area where Australian and Chinese air searches have spotted three large objects.
Three Chinese warships have now reached the region, joining the multinational air searches led by Australia.
More Chinese military and civilian vessels are also on the way.
 
 
Bin Laden son-in-law convicted at NYC terror trial
 
The son-in-law of Osama Bin Laden has been convicted of conspiring to kill Americans by serving as al Qaeda's spokesperson following the 9/11 attacks.
The jury in New York has returned a guilty verdict against Suliman Abu Ghaith on three charges.
They include conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiring to provide support to al-Qaeda and providing support to al-Qaeda.
The convictions carry a potential life sentence.
Sentencing is set for September 8th.
 
 
Kiev claims 6 Ukrainian militaries captured in Crimea
 
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says at least 6 Ukrainian military officers have been taken captive in Crimea.
Those being held are said to include five officers and one general.
Word of this comes as Russian forces take final control of all military installations in Crimea following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops.
At the same time, Russia is dismissing reports it is mobilizing troops along its border with mainland Ukraine.
 
 
France foils bomb plot in Cannes: media
 
It's being reported French anti-terrorism police foiled an "imminent" bomb attack in the southern city of Cannes last month.
A young suspect was arrested after police discovered bomb-making materials in an apartment in the city.
A local news channel in Cannes is reporting the 23-year old suspect is a jihadist who recently returned to France from fighting in Syria.
 
 
Estonian new gov't takes office
 
The new government of the Baltic state of Estonia has taken office.
A coalition government headed by 34-year old Taavi Roivas has been sworn in.
Roivas takes over as the country's Prime Minister following the resignation of former Prime Minister Andrus Ansip.
Ansip left his post earlier this year after deciding to take a position within the European Union.
Roivas' new government will hold power until parliamentary elections are held in Estonia early next year.
 
 
Newspaper Picks
 
 
CHINA DAILY
Headline
Chongqing relaxes one-child policy
Summary
Authorities in Chongqing have relaxed the city's one-child policy by allowing couples to have a second baby if either parent is an only child.
It is estimated that about 45-thousand newborns are added to Chongqing's population annually.
Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, as well as the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui and Sichuan, have also already changed their policies.
GLOBALTIMES
Headline
Nuclear plant starts commercial operation
Summary
Authorities have announced the first generating unit at the Yangjiang nuclear power plant in Guangdong has begun commercial operation.
The plant is expected to generate 48 billion kwh of electricity a year after going into full commercial operations at the start of 2019.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Piping renos
Summary
Authorities in Shanghai have restarted renovating rusty pipelines in old residential communities in the downtown core which are blamed for poor water quality.
The renovation program is going to cover all residential buildings built before 2000.
It will involve replacing rusty pipelines, coating water tanks with a membrane as well as installing water quality monitoring facilities.
BEIJING NEWS
Headline
Civil servant exam enrollments decline
Summary
Some regions are experiencing a large drop in the number of enrollments to the civil servant exams.
Zhejiang has seen the lowest number of candidates enrolling for the exam in the past four years, with the province experiencing a 27 percent decrease this year from last year.
BEIJING TIMES
Headline
Bankruptcy bank run
Summary
A mass of people have swarmed a bank in Yancheng in Jiangsu to withdraw money after rumors it would be closed down.
The rumors started after a customer was unable to withdraw 200-thousand yuan from the bank without an appointment.
SOUTH CHINA METROPOLITAN DAILY
Headline
Crackdown on sex trade
Summary
A senior official in Guangdong is vowing to introduce tougher measures to fight the sex trade.
Local police have launched a three-month crackdown on prostitution in the province following reports of rampant prostitution in the city of Dongguan.
YANZHAO METROPOLITAN DAILY
Headline
Hebei prepares for Beijing transfers
Summary
Hebei, which surrounds Beijing, is getting the city of Baoding ready for the transfer of certain functions from the capital.
A new urbanization document suggests authorities will enlarge the size of Baoding to be able to accommodate administrative organs, colleges and universities, research institutions, medical and nursing services transferring from Beijing.
 
 
Special Reports
 
 
China making it easier for expats to settle down
 
Anchor:
With the authorities revealing plans this month to streamline the Chinese "green card" process for foreigners, many long-term expats here in China are now contemplating their expectations about staying in the country for the foreseeable future.
CRI's Sam Duckett has more.
Reporter:
Zhang Jiangguo, the head of the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs, recently announced during a public interview that China would be fine-tuning their permanent residency permit for foreigners to make the process less complicated.
So far only 6,000 expats in China have received permanent residency, 1,202 of which were granted last year.
This is a relatively small amount taking into consideration the 500,000 foreigners currently residing in Beijing alone.
I caught up with environmental engineering student Katie Smith and I wanted to know if China would be the right place for her to continue to conduct research in the long term.
"I love being in China because I love being able to learn Chinese and be around Chinese people, but If I were to have children then I would reconsider that. A lot of people think that the first five years of their child's life should be in a really healthy environment but I think China would be a really great, interesting environment to raise their child for the first 6 years."
This simplified process is just the latest step in the county's plan to employ foreign talent: last year the R Visa was introduced for foreigners with specific talents needed in China.
Moving to China to work for a couple of years is one thing, but moving to China for permanent residency can be more of a culture shock than many western professionals can handle.
I also caught up with Mike Bastin, an academic who lived in China for the past seven years. He talked about his experiences and attitude towards China.
"Well certainly you have got to get used to the urbanization, most expats live in big cities which they may not be used to. The language is very important and not AS difficult as most people think, there is a big fear factor there. The food was another big challenge, but generally all the challenges were positive and a lot of expats like myself thrive on this kind of challenges and they made life here more enjoyable. "
China is fast becoming a hot prospect for foreign talent: the strengthening of the Chinese yuan coupled with relatively affordable living standards make China a great place to save. In addition, the booming housing market, reinforced by a growing amount of international cities, has given investors a stronger sense of security in China. China also has a vast and rich culture that will appeal to young professionals looking to gain more life experience.
Anchor:
That is CRI's Sam Duckett reporting.
 
 
Sports
 
 
Beijing Ducks take a 3-1 final series lead with home win over Xinjiang
 
In the CBA playoffs,
The Beijing Ducks are one victory away from the championship title after beating Xinjiang 94-88 in game 4 here in Beijing.
The two teams traded baskets in the first quarter, and Beijing ended the half with a six point lead, 47-41.
The highlight of the night was Randolph Morris's incredible third quarter dunk, which sparked an 8 point scoring streak from the Ducks.
Xinjiang responded with 11 straight points at the end of the third, cutting the deficit from 21 points to just 9 with a quarter left to play.
Xinjiang still put up a fight in the fourth, with Hudson and Singleton hitting four 3 pointers, but Beijing didn't flounder and secured the win on Marbury's two final free throws.
Randolph Morris led Beijing with 25 points and 8 boards, Stephon Marbury had 23 and Sun Yue contributed 17. For Xinjiang, Lestor Hudson was the top scorer with a game-high 27 points.
Xinjiang faces a tough uphill battle to recover the series now that Beijing leads 3-1 in the best of seven series, with game 5 still to be played at home tomorrow night.
Over in the NBA, it's a full morning of games.
Phoenix vs. Washington
Brooklyn vs. Charlotte
Toronto and the Boston Celtics just tipped off at 7:340, as did Cleveland and Detroit.
 
 
Coaches comment on Asian Cup 2015 draws
 
In football,
Draws for the Asian Cup 2015 were announced yesterday in Sydney Australia.
China was drawn into a fairly even Group B, which includes three-time champions Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and North Korea.
China's head coach Allain Perrin said in this tournament any group would be a challenge.
"For a coach all the games are difficult, especially Uzbekistan. We don't really know this team. I know, because I was in Qatar and I played against Qatar and they are a strong team and I think the favourite of the group. This group, anyone can lose some points against anyone. It means it is very open and we have to fight and have a good start in this group to have a chance to go to the next round."
The host team the Socceroos face a difficult lot after being grouped with 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea.
Defending champions Japan were drawn into Group D along with 2007 Asian champion Iraq, Jordan and the Maldives.
And Iran, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain comprise an athletically-matched, but politically tense group C.
Bahrain's head coach Anthony Hudson commented on being the underdog of that group.
"We will certainly come here and look to give a good account of ourselves. We want to come to do something here. So as I said, we are not afraid of anyone and we are familiar with the opposition. The pressure's not on us. It's on the bigger teams and these other guys, so we come here very positive and were excited about the draw."
And over in the English Premier League,
West Ham vs. Hull
Liverpool vs. Sunderland
 
 
England and Sri Lanka face each other at World T20
 
In cricket,
England and Sri Lanka face each other today at the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka sits at the top of Group One, and is looking to secure its place in the semi-finals with a win over the English.
One of the key players who needs to be in form for Sri Lanka to win is fast bowler Lasith Malinga, the fifth most prolific wicket taker in international T20 stats.
Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal said Malinga is pivotal to the squad's chances of success in Bangladesh.
"He is a really good bowler, especially he is the one key to success. We are successful in T20 format, he came in and bowled at the end and he got some good wickets for us. That's why we are successful. You know I can't also hit a six against him, I never did that. I'm only trying to hit some boundaries, it's never easy to hit a six for (against) him."
The pair of Malinga and spinner Ajantha Mendis was what wrecked the Netherlands in the now historic loss.
England has a lot of incentive to win after losing their opening match to New Zealand. Middle-order batsman Ravi Bopara says his team is treating today's match as a must-win game.
 
 
Li Na battles Caroline Wozniacki for place in the semifinals at the Sony Open
 
In tennis, quarterfinal action is in progress at the Sony Open in Miami.
Li Na vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Already through to the semifinals are Maria Sharapova, top seed Serena Williams, and Dominika Cibulkova who just advanced after beating Agnieszka Radwanska 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.
On the men’s side,
Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray
In a little bit, another quarterfinal battle between Roger Federer and Japan's Kei Nishikori will get underway.
And tomorrow, Rafael Nadal will take on Milos Raonic, in what will be the young Canadians first career quarter-final.
 
 
Vettel and Franklin win sportsmen of the year awards
 
And finally for some sports accolades,
Formula One's youngest four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was named sportsman of the year at the Laureus Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Teenage American swimmer Missy Franklin was also honored as the youngest recipient of the sportswoman of the year award.
The 2013 team award went to Bayern Munich for the club's completion of the Champions League, Bundesliga, and German Cup treble last season.
 
 
Entertainment
 
 
Johnny Cash unheard material to be released
 
(Johnny Cash)
Good news for Johnny Cash fans, the legendary singer's son has revealed that there are some four or five albums worth of unheard material tucked away.
John Carter Cash, who recently curated a new album of the country icon's recordings from the early 80s, says that more could be on the way.
Known for his rich bass-baritone voice, Cash died in 2003 at the age of 71 after a hugely influential career.
The posthumous releases are expected to include a new instalment in Chas's American Recordings sessions with producer Rick Rubin.
 
 
99 Problems Chris Rock's Idea
 
(Jay Z)
A Jay Z classic but it turns out that the rapper did not come up with the idea for the song himself.
Producer Rick Rubin has revealed that the iconic 99 Problems was actually the brain child of US comedian Chris Rock.
Speaking to New York Magazine, Rubin says that Rock approached him about writing a song that subverts Ice T's 1993 track of the same time.
(Ice T)
Rubin says he approached Jay Z with the idea who worked it into the 2003 hit.
Whilst Ice T talks about his girls and what a great pimp he is, Rubin and Jay Z's track focuses the difficulties that comes with hustling.
 
 
Avengers starts shooting in Italy
 
The Italian region Val d'Aosta has some new visitors to welcome.
The area has been chosen as a location for the upcoming Marvel movie, "The Avengers: Age of Ultron."
The film is a sequel to the 2012 blockbuster hit which starred, amongst others, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner.
With Joss Whedon directing, the new production reunites the all-star cast to battle against the sentient robot known as Ultron.
While filming is taking place in Italy, the set has been adorned with signs written in Cyrillic because the section of the film, which is currently shooting, is set in 1940s Russia.
However eager fans will have to weather the wait as the movie is not out until May 2015.
 
 
Taylor Swift granted restraining order against stalker
 
(Taylor Swift)
Taylor Swift has secured a three-year restraining order against a man named Timothy Sweet. Sweet has allegedly been threatening the pop star and her family since January 2011 via e-mails, letters and social-media messages.
The 33-year-old man has maintained that he is married to the Grammy-winning singer and sent messages threatening to "kill any man who gets in the way" of his perceived relationship with her.
In Swift's sworn written declaration, she stated that she was concerned about her safety in public and at home, adding that Sweet's threats to harm her family are extremely distressing. Court documents say that Sweet has visited Taylor Swift's homes in Beverly Hills and Nashville.
This is not the first time the country darling has needed a court to run interference for her, Daniel Cole of Brewster, Massachusetts was also ordered to stay away from the singer's vacation home on the Rhode Island Shore. Cole was summoned before a state judge last Friday after police said he violated the terms of his restraining order.
 
 
That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
The discovery of over 120 new objects in the southern Indian Ocean is helping streamline the search for missing flight MH370.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen the signing of a number of agreements following a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris.
A court in New York has convicted the son-in-law of Osama Bin Laden on terrorism charges.
In Business... Bank of China is the latest of the 'big four' to unveil its full-year numbers for last year.
On behalf of the Beijing Hour staffers, this is Paul James in Beijing hoping you'll join us for our next edition of the Beijing Hour to open a window to the world together.