新闻纵贯线 The Beijing Hour updated 08:00 2014/04/10

The Beijing Hour
 
Morning Edition

 
 
Shane Bigham with you on this Thursday, April 10th, 2014.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
An Australian search vessel has again picked up possible black-box locator signals, narrowing the search area for missing flight MH370...
A delegation that accompanied the Australian prime minister to China is looking for opportunities in the financial services sector.. .
And a special zone for medical tourism is now under construction in Hainan...
In Business...new arbitration rules have been enacted in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone...
In sports...a look ahead to the 78th Masters tournament
In entertainment...it's Shanghai fashion week!
But first... lets get a check on the weather...
 
 
Weather
 
 
Beijing will be sunny today, with a high of 18 degree Celsius.
Overnight temperatures should drop down to around 8.
Shanghai will be cloudy during the daytime with a high of 24.
Overnight, it will be cloudy with a low of 14.
In Chongqing, it will see showers with a high of 22.
Overnight lows are expected to be around 18.
Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia.
Islamabad will be sunny with a high of 29.
Kabul will be overcast with a high of 21.
Over to North America.
New York will be sunny today with a high of 17 degrees.
Washington will see periods of sunshine and a high of 22 degrees.
Honolulu, overcast, 28.
Toronto, Canada, will see moderate rain with a high of 17 degrees.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires will be overcast with a high of 21.
And Rio de Janeiro will be sunny with a high of 32 degrees Celsius.
 
 
Top News
 
 
Australian ship reacquired two underwater signals
 
Anchor
The search area for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been further refined, after the Australian vessel Ocean Shield again picked up new underwater signals.
CRI's Yu Yang has more.
Reporter
The first signal was detected on Tuesday afternoon and lasted over five minutes, while a second was picked up on Tuesday night.
Over the weekend, the Australian ship detected two signals in the same area, consistent with that of a plane's black box locater.
As a result, on Wednesday, up to 15 planes and 14 ships searched the southern Indian Ocean in a region northwest of Perth, Australia.
Angus Houston is head of the multinational search team.
"Yesterday's signals will assist in better defining a reduced and much more manageable search area on the ocean floor. I believe we are searching in the right area but we need to visually identify aircraft wreckage before we can confirm with certainty that this is the final resting place of MH370."
Houston says more signal detections will refine the exact position of the plane, and no robot submersible will be deployed before that.
Australian aircraft will soon fly to the area and drop sonar buoys to help better fix the position.
Locating the black boxes is a matter of urgency as the batteries in the beacons have already reached the end of their 30-day lifespans.
Mark Matthews is a US navy captain.
"Because the more we do that, the more we use these beacon detections to reduce the geographic area where we're focusing our search, the more effective or more efficient our underwater search will be with the autonomous underwater vehicle."
When Air France flight 447 disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean in 2009, it took an underwater submersible nearly 3-weeks to locate that jet's flight data recorder, even though searchers had a good idea of where it was situated on the ocean floor.
The black boxes record cockpit data and may provide answers about what happened to the plane, which was carrying 239 people when it vanished early last month.
Malaysian authorities say based on analysis of satellite data, the plane ended its flight in the southern Indian Ocean, thousands of kilometers from its intended flight path.
Meanwhile, multiple floating objects have been spotted by a patrol aircraft in the area where Ocean Shield detected signals.
A Chinese navy vessel is heading to the area to assist with the search.
For CRI, I'm Yu Yang.
 
 
Chinese Premier thanks Australia for search help
 
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has thanked Australia for the nation's efforts in searching for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
The Chinese Premier made the comment while meeting with visiting Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in South China's Hainan Province.
"China highly values the efforts made by Australia in searching for the missing jetliner. Mr. Prime Minister Abbott himself also put in great efforts toward the search. During our phone conversations days ago, we agreed that we will continue to beef up the search to provide an answer to the families of the passengers. It is heartening news that Mr. Prime Minister Abbott is confident of a certain conclusion to the incident."
For his part, Abbott says Australia will put in its upmost efforts in the search.
"I very much appreciated how committed China is to the search of MH370, how deeply sad everyone in China is at the loses of its so many citizens. I am very grateful as the leader of Australia which is leading the search and cover efforts for China's extraordinary assistance and I want to pledge to you Mr. Premier that Australia will not rest until we have done everything humanly possible to locate the plane."
The two prime ministers also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a bilateral free trade deal.
Abbott also expressed the will to expand cooperation in education, security and military forces in a bid to protect regional peace and stability.
The two sides inked cooperative deals in finance and farming.
Tony Abbott is in China to attend the annual Bo'ao Forum for Asia, which kicks off today.
 
 
Australia's Biggest Trade Delegation in China for Closer Co.op
 
Anchor
The Australian Prime Minister has also brough to China a large delegation of business leaders, who among other things, are here to help Australian companies navigate their way into the Chinese financial services sector.
CRI's Xu Fei explains.
Reporter
Members of the Australian delegation have sat down for talks with officials in Beijing to discuss the possibility of Australian investment in China's pension system.
Given the rapid aging of the population here in China, the per-capita reserves in this country's pension system can only support one person living in an urban setting for a little over 2-months.
As such, there's been a drive to create an investment-based pension program which can support people over the longer-term.
And Australian firms are hoping to play a role in that.
John Brogden is the CEO of Australia's Financial Services Council, which represents Australia's retail and wholesale investment funds.
He admits collaboration in the field of pensions won't be easy, but suggests Australia could be a good partner for China when it comes to this area.
"It's much easier to talk about trading coal and metal and cars than it is in financial services. It's a complex concept, but we're very optimistic about it. We see many more opportunities than challenges. China has an aging population; that aging population will need products, financial products to assist them to have a prosperous and enjoyable, and hopefully long, retirement. So Australia has a significant expertise in retirement market"
One of the areas where the Australian delegation is hoping to create investment opportunities is in infrastructure.
David Whiteley is Chief Executive of Industry Super Australia, an organization which manages collective projects on behalf of sixteen Industry Super Funds focusing on research, policy development and government relations.
"The other big difference, I think, is the asset allocation. So, in Australia, there is, perhaps, more diverse asset allocation. The discussion today was captured areas such as investment in infrastructure. Across the world, every country has a need for investment in infrastructure. Every government is looking to pension funds to assist in that investment. And, of course, every pension system, domestic pension system, has the expertise about their home country. So there is, maybe in the future, some capacity for collaboration there."
The Australian delegation's time in this country coincides with Australia Week in China.
The week-long event is designed to promote trade, investment, tourism and education partnerships.
For CRI, I'm Xu Fei.
 
 
China's first special zone for medical travel under construction
 
Anchor
Staying in the coastal province, Hainan is constructing China's first special zone for medical travel, in order to attract what's been called "migrant birds."
Zhang Wan has more.
Reporter
Traditionally in China, people prefer to stay where they are when they grow old and seldom travel.
But now, an increasing number of people have been breaking with tradition.
When winter comes, they will pack their luggage and go to Hainan, China's tropical island province, to avoid the cold in the north.
They are dubbed "migrant birds."
Huang Ping from Beijing is one of them.
In middle age now, she is looking for a place to travel and spend her winters after retirement.
Hainan is one of her possible options. However, she has concerns about the availability local medical services and amenities.
"The place for me must have several facilities: first, a nice place to live; second, quality medical service. For example, when I am old, I will probably need good medical services under some emergency situations. Third, there must be facilities, such as cafes, restaurants and so on."
Huang Ping's expectations when it comes to a good place to live and travel will soon become a reality in Bo'ao, Hainan province. The Island is building China's first special zone for medical travel.
The Bo'ao Lecheng International Medical Travel Zone will be located near Qionghai city and Bo'ao Town, covering an area of about 20 square kilometers.
Lu Zhiyuan, director of the Hainan Tourism Development Committee says Hainan Island has a unique advantage for developing medical tourism.
"Hainan Island has very good air quality, very pure water, blue sky and ocean. Currently the pm2.5 in Boao is at 4."
The Director of The National Health and Family Planning Commission, Li Bin, says China has further advantages in the development of international medical tourism, with its rich resources, quality medical service, low costs, and even Chinese traditional medicines.
"Through developing medical tourism, the health service industry and tourism industry will be linked together. That will be favorable to the country's economic transformation and upgrading, and it will also provide more job opportunities, meanwhile, it will make Chinese medical institutions take steps to adapt to international demand, so that the overall standard of medical service will be enhanced."
Li Bin adds that the International Medical Travel Zone in Hainan is taking the lead in the mission the healthy development of the health service industry. The government is allowing several privileges and policies in the trial zone.
Overseas medical institutions will be allowed to set up business within the zone. Other preferential policies will include lower taxes for imported medical instruments and medicines, and some frontier medical programs will be allowed.
Medical tourism, which combines travel with leisure and healthcare, is already popular in some Asian countries and regions like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Former Prime Minister of Australia Bob Hawke says he believes the Bo'ao Lecheng International Medical Travel Zone is promising.
"The island of Hainan is an extremely attractive place, so the concept of bringing together the best western medicine, specialists and Chinese medicine here in this great new center, it's absolutely a magnificent concept. And I'm absolutely sure it's going to be an outstanding success, because it has what people need, and it will be great for the economy of Hainan, and it would be good for China."
Hawke adds that the issue of aging populations is confronting the world today, and that will help the international medical travel zone prove to be a success.
Construction of the zone is estimated to cost up to 100 billion yuan, or some 16 billion US dollars.
For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.
 
 
Iran Supreme Leader says no halt to nuclear research
 
Iran's Supreme Leader says Iranian negotiators will insist on no halt to the research and progress of the country's nuclear activities.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the comment as Iran marks National Nuclear Technology Day.
The holiday came as Iranian negotiators met with representatives from six countries including U.S. and China in Vienna to continue nuclear talks.
"In the ongoing nuclear talks our negotiators stressed and will insist - they should insist - that under no circumstances will the work of research, development and progress in the field of nuclear activities be halted and in fact, our achievements in nuclear technology are not stoppable and cannot be shut down."
Earlier, during a joint press conference following the Vienna meeting, negotiators said significant progress was made during the talks, but a number of differences are yet to be overcome.
Catherine Ashton is the European Union Foreign policy chief.
"A lot of intensive work will be required to overcome the differences which naturally still exist at this stage in the process. We will now move to the next phase in the negotiations, in which we will aim to bridge the gaps in all the key areas and work on the concrete elements of a possible comprehensive agreement."
A first-step deal, which took effect since January, has curbed some Iranian nuclear activities in return for limited sanctions relief as the two sides work toward a final agreement.
Negotiators face an informal July deadline to come up with a permanent deal.
 
 
2nd phase of India's general elections starts
 
The second phase of India's mammoth nine-phase general election is underway, with polling in six constituencies across four northeastern states.
The Hindu nationalist opposition party, BJP, is promising economic rejuvenation and jobs if elected.
The BJP is said to be emerging as the clear leader in the current voting, but is likely to fall short of an absolute majority.
Many observers expect the BJP to lead a coalition government.
Over 800 million Indians are eligible to cast their ballots in the election, 100 million more than in 2009.
"It should be a changed nation, not a changing one, that's why I have come to vote. I have a lot of expectations from them, a developed nation. That's why I am voting for BJP. I am voting for the first time."
"We will not get anything if we vote for any of the parties including BJP, Congress. We are just voting as it is our right in a democracy."
The sentiment in the country is suggesting that voters are set to inflict a resounding blow to India's ruling Congress party, which is led by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
India is currently in its longest economic slowdown since the 1980s.
The multi-stage voting is due to end on May 12th, with results to be announced four days later.
 
 
WHO issues first hepatitis C treatment guidelines/xinhua
 
The World Health Organization has issued its first-ever guidelines for the treatment of hepatitis C, a chronic infection affecting up to 150-million people globally.
The goal is to improve access to more effective and safer medicines for those in need.
The new guidelines, launched on the eve of the opening of the 2014 International Liver Congress in London, make nine key recommendations.
These include approaches to increase the number of people screened for hepatitis C infection, advice as to how to mitigate liver damage for those who are infected, and how to select and provide appropriate treatments for chronic hepatitis C infection.
The disease is responsible for up to half-a-million deaths annually.
 
 
Biz Reports
 
 
First, latest figures on the market, here is Tu Yun.
U.S. stocks continued to rebound Wednesday, as market concerns over a potential interest rate hike eased, following the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting.
Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 added some 1 percent, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.7 percent.
European stocks also rebounded, led by gains in automakers.
London's FTSE100 gained nearly three quarters of a percent, France's CAC40 rose two fifths of a percent, and Germany's DAX added a fraction of a percent.
 
 
China establishes arbitration rules for Shanghai FTZ
 
Anchor
Shanghai has announced new arbitration rules for its pilot free trade zone, which is the first of its kind in China.
Included is an emergency arbitration court system and a way for resolving disputes over small amounts of money.
The regulation will come into effect next month.
It also allows disputers to seek emergency relief prior to the formation of a tribunal.
Traditionally, this kind of system has required parties to table all issues prior to arbitrators being appointed.
Wen Wanli is the Secretary General of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
"It is a system that has further improved on the combination of arbitration and mediation. Under the system, mediation will be carried out first to examine the demands that have been made by the concerned parties, before an arbitration panel is formed. This system is very international. An arbitrator who participates in mediation is not allowed to act as an arbitrator."
What's different about the Shanghai rules is that people can choose arbitrators from outside the panel of mediators.
Elsewhere, the selection of arbitrators is limited to the roster of an arbitration institution.
Another innovation is that companies involved in commercial disputes relating to less than 100 thousand yuan can apply for a summary procedure of arbitration, which means a lower service fee and an earlier date for the case to be heard.
For more on this, we're joined live now by Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
Questions:
1 Much has been said already about changes to the financial system inside Shangai's free trade zone, but with the new arbitration rules, what does this mean for the zone's legal system moving forward?
2 When it comes to choosing between arbitration or court hearings, which option are the multinationals most likely to take?
3 Do you see the arbitration rules as finally integrated with international standards? What are the other highlights?
Back Anchor:
Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
 
 
Greek announcement to issue long-term bond a milestone
 
Greece will issue "shortly" its first long-term bond since the start of the debt crisis and its international bailout four years ago, returning to international capital markets.
The country's Finance Ministry says it has mandated international banks for an upcoming five-year benchmark bond issue.
The transaction is expected to be priced and take place in the immediate future.
The announcement comes a day after Greece sold 1.3 billion euros of six-month treasury bills at the yield of 3 percent.
It was the lowest cost in four years in the context of a regular monthly short-term borrowing program with foreign investors expressing remarkably increased interest.
Greece's issuance of longer term bonds and return to capital markets is seen as a clear message that Greece's credibility and credit worthiness have been restored.
Both the Greek government and international lenders foresee a half-percent percent growth this year in the country.
 
 
EU to strengthen shareholder engagement for large companies
 
The European Commission is taking measures to improve the corporate governance of around 10,000 companies listed on Europe's stock exchanges.
EU member states would now be required to provide in their national legislation a company law form for single-member private limited liability companies with the same requirements across the EU.
Adequate protection for creditors through a balance sheet test and a solvency statement would be ensured.
The proposal to revise the existing shareholder rights directive would tackle corporate governance shortcomings relating to listed companies and their boards, shareholders, intermediaries and proxy advisors.
These proposals follow the 2012 action plan on European company law and corporate governance.
 
 
China UnionPay signs deals with Australian banks
 
China UnionPay has signed deals with two Australian banks to cooperate on UnionPay card business in Australia, New Zealand and some island countries in the south Pacific.
The two banks are Westpac Banking Corporation and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited.
The deal is expected to make the UnionPay card more acceptable in Australia and New Zealand.
China UnionPay and the two banks will speed up acceptance of UnionPay cards by all ATMs and POS terminals of the two banks in Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
 
 
Alipay enhances mobile payment safety
 
Alipay, China's most popular online payment service, is to set up a fund worth 6.5-milion-US-dollar to promote security and safeguard user information.
The decision comes after reports of a massive security flaw potentially exposing reams of data meant to be hidden from prying eyes.
The bug, nicknamed Heartbleed, could have affected two-thirds of active websites.
Hu Xiaoming, chief risk officer with the microfinance services group of Alibaba, says the fund will focus on phishing, Trojans, money laundering, hostile attacks and user information.
Alipay will cooperate with banks, e-commerce peers, and security software companies in the joint fund.
Last year Alipay blocked about 150,000 phishing websites, and assisted the police against 16 network gangs with more than 10 million yuan involved, resulting in 35 arrests.
At the end of last year, Alipay had nearly 300 million registered users, including over 100 million who access services via mobile phones.
Since March, the average daily transactions through Alipay have been about 25 million yuan, or around 4 million US dollars.
 
 
TV industry to worth 750 bln USD by 2020: Ericsson
 
Electronics giant Ericsson predicts the world TV industry will be worth as much as 750 billion U.S. dollars by 2020, up more than 40 percent from that achieved last year.
The industry leader in communications technology and services says the distribution of revenues is expected to "shift between content owners, broadcasters, TV service providers and network providers, especially as brands adapt advertising focus."
In its Vision 2020 statement, Ericsson also predicts the Networked Society will be realized, with "15 billion video-enabled devices" connected to broadband internet, transforming the consumption experience of TV.
Mobile broadband is expected to play an essential role in "all regions and (be) fundamental in emerging regions."
It also predicts that, by 2020, there will be "over 8 billion mobile broadband subscriptions and 1.5 billion homes with digital television".
The Media Vision 2020 project is based on more than six months of research.
It includes statistical data, detailed surveys, and interviews with individuals, industry participants and consumers.
Ericsson was founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Its net sales last year were 35 billion U.S. dollars.
 
 
Headline News
 
 
Australian ship reacquired two underwater signals
 
The search area for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been further refined, after the Australian vessel Ocean Shield again picked up underwater signals.
The first signal was detected on Tuesday afternoon and lasted over five minutes, while a second was picked up on Tuesday night.
Over the weekend, the Australian ship detected two signals in the same area, consistent with that of a plane's black box locater.
As a result, on Wednesday, up to 15 planes and 14 ships searched the southern Indian Ocean in a region northwest of Perth, Australia.
But a submersible will not be sent into the depths unless more signals are picked up and the area refined even further.
Meanwhile, a new debris field has been spotted in the area that's being searched.
 
 
Chinese Premier thanks Australia for search help
 
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has thanked Australia for the nation's efforts in searching for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
The Chinese Premier made the comment while meeting with visiting Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in South China's Hainan Province.
For his part, Abbott says Australia will put in its upmost efforts in the search.
The two prime ministers also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a bilateral free trade deal.
The two sides inked cooperative deals in finance and farming.
 
 
Iranian nuclear talks cover all issues needed for final agreement
 
The EU's foreign policy chief says the latest round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group have been "substantive," covering all the major issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
But Catherine Ashton also acknowledges that "a lot of intensive work will be required to overcome the differences" at the bargaining table.
The head of the Chinese delegation at the talks, Wang Qun with the Foreign Ministry, is expressing optimism about the talks and the ground that's been covered during discussions.
The United States, Britain, France, and Russia are also represented at the bargaining table, as each is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Germany is also participating.
The goal is to begin writing a draft agreement in May and a final deal by July 20th, limiting Iran's nuclear program to civilian use and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
In return, western sanctions against Iran are to be eased.
 
 
Putin instructs lenient gas policy with Ukraine
 
Russia's president has instructed his government to drop contractual options and allow Ukraine to get natural gas without one-month pre-payment.
Vladimir Putin says that given the difficult situation in Ukraine and negotiations with Europe, contract options should not be activated.
The Russian leader then took the opportunity to citizen European countries that supported the current government in Kiev, saying those foreign governments have done nothing to assist Ukraine.
Despite not recognizing Ukraine's current leadership, Putin says Moscow will continue to support the former Soviet republic.
 
 
Newspaper Picks
 
 
CHINA DAILY
Headline
China to spend more on railways in 2014
Summary
China Railway Corporation or CRC says the country is planning more railways this year.
CRC says it will increase fixed-asset investment from the previously planned 700 billion yuan to 720 billion yuan.
The new railways will be mainly built in central and western China.
BEIJING MORNING POST
Headline
Private hospital price controls relaxed
Summary
Authorities have announced China will relax price controls over non-public hospital services in a move to encourage the development of private healthcare.
A circular issued by health authorities says private organizations will be able to make pricing decisions based on markets and adopt flexible charging methods for their medical services.
GLOBALTIMES
Headline
China revokes blackmail newspaper license
Summary
Chinese authorities have revoked the license of a newspaper for its involvement in blackmail.
The press watchdog says several journalists extorted money in exchange for promotional stories, published fake reports with serious distortions, blackmailed and sought illegal profits during interviews.
China last month announced a nationwide campaign against fake news journalists or newspapers extorting money in return for stories.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Agency seeks opinions on food stalls
Summary
A public hearing will be held in Shanghai to find a solution for unlicensed food stalls and small restaurants which do not qualify for business permits.
The Director of the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration says for those unlicensed eateries that residents really need, authorities will give them guidance on food safety and warn their owners about noise and smoke.
The director says 94 percent of the food samples checked in the city in the first quarter met the nation's standard.
XIAOXIANG MORNING POST
Headline
Guangzhou streets to see armed cop patrols
Summary
The local public security bureau in Guangzhou has announced thousands more armed police will patrol the streets in a bid to beef up security in the city.
Police special forces will reportedly concentrate on crowded areas and those which pose security problems.
Authorities will also station tactical patrol teams in areas with heavy traffic and fixed checkpoints around the city.
SOUTH CHINA METROPOLITAN DAILY
Headline
District bans dancers sound systems
Summary
A district in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, has ruled that dancers cannot bring sound equipment to public areas after more than 600 local residents collectively bought an expensive sound amplification system to deter people from dancing near their homes.
The dancers and the district management have agreed to install a central sound system controlled by the public square management staff.
BEIJING NEWS
Headline
Top 10 archaeology finds announced
Summary
The State Administration of Cultural Heritage has announced its Top 10 list of China archeological discoveries for 2013.
One of the most eye-catching discoveries for the public is the tomb of Emperor Yang, the last monarch of the Sui Dynasty.
Wenfengta Tomb of Eastern Zhou Dynasty in Suizhou, Hubei province and Jiwanggu Tomb of Spring and Autumn Period in Shandong province are also among the top 10.
 
 
Special Reports
 
 
Exhibit Featuring Sino-US Postal Exchange Hits Washington
 
Anchor
An exhibit featuring stamps and pieces of mail exchanged between China and the United States is now on display in the US.
CRI's Xiong Siqi has the details.
Reporter
The "Pacific Exchange: China & U.S. Mail" exhibition opened at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington D.C. last month, aiming to tell the story of the Chinese-U.S. relationship.
Featuring the stamps and mails exchanged between the two countries from the mid-19th century to the 1980s, most of the items on display were carefully selected from the international collection of the museum and are shown to the public for the first time.
Chief curator Cheryl R. Ganz explains that the museum took three years to prepare the exhibition and received a warm welcome from visitors.
"I think for the museum, this is the first time we have done a major China exhibit. I think we are ready. The attendance has been fabulous. People really are interested in this. "
Some highlights among the 175 items are an 1849 letter sent from Boston took nearly 3 months to reach an American opium trader in Guangzhou and several stamps made by the China Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 1912 that survived a fire. Visitors could also find the first Chinese Lunar New Year Stamp issued by the U.s. Postal Service – a black and white rooster stamp.
Visitors observe the collection really keenly. Some even hold a magnifying glass in order to study the intricate details of each stamp.
William Stap is one of them. He says the exhibition helps him to better understand Chinese history and culture.
"I really enjoy the exhibition. The stamps are beautiful, they really are. It's fascinating to look at history through stamps and see what they have to tell us. It's not complete, but it's an engaging way to do it. Because almost everybody loves stamps."
Li Hong, the Minister Counselor from the Chinese Embassy in Washington. D.C., says the exhibit means a lot for people from both countries.
"After visiting the exhibition, I think people from both countries should know more and communicate more with each other. I believe this kind of event is pretty popular. Since many Chinese collect stamps, if the chance arises, this exhibit could be opened in China, as well. "
Due to strong interest from American visitors, Ganz says the museum will launch more activities and shows about China.
First opened in March, the exhibit will run until early January, 2015.
For CRI, this is Xiong Siqi.
 
 
Sports
 
 
Masters Tournament Preview
 
Anchor
Golf fans are looking ahead to the start of the 78th edition of the iconic Masters Tournament, which is getting underway today.
Tiger Woods is out with an injury this year, but the field is otherwise just as competitive as ever.
CRI's Jordan Lee has more.
Reporter
With the 97-man field being the smallest out of the four major championships, a victory at the Masters is highly coveted, as is its green jacket prize.
This year marks the 78th edition of the Masters at one of the world's most classic courses, Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
The idyllic greens and serene environment are certainly a pleasure for spectators, but Germany's Martin Kaymer points out that this course is deceptively difficult.
"Well, I would say if we're talking about Augusta, it's probably one of the nicest back yards that I've ever seen. It's so pretty and such a prestigious place. I don't know if people realise that on TV but it's... every single shot is so difficult, and you need to plan almost a shot or a shot and a half ahead, in order to give yourself chances, so it's quite a big challenge."
Another contender this week, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, pinponted hole number eleven as a particular challenge.
"The most difficult hole is probably, let's say the beginning of 'Amen Corner', the eleventh. You know, your round can go very bad there, or you can put yourself in a really good position, going forward with two par fives to come. But yeah, eleven is always a good hole and ten is also tough, but there's not many easy holes at Augusta, but I think eleven probably stands out a little bit."
The talk leading up to the start of this year's tournament has been all about the absence of Tiger Woods.
The world number one is missing his first Masters since 1994, as he recovers from back surgery.
With Woods out of contention, three players are in a position to possibly take over his world number one ranking.
One of these is world number two Adam Scott, who will be back to try and defend his title, after becoming the first Australian to win the Masters in 2013.
World number 3 Henrik Stenson and another Aussie world number 4 Jason Day are the other two with a shot at the top ranking.
But one shouldn't get too hasty to assign a win to one of the clear favorites. The PGA tour has been extremely competitive this year, with the last 21 tour events seeing 18 different winners.
For CRI, I'm Jordan Lee.
 
 
Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 3-1
 
In football news.
Two games have just ended this morning.
Four competing teams fought fiercely to make their way to the semi-finals in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 3-1.
The two sides are level at 1-1 following the first-leg at Old Trafford.
But result in the second-leg has secured Bayern's position in the semi-finals.
Bayern has been in great form for much of this season.
In Madrid, Atletico Madrid took on Barcelona.
The host team finally beat Barcelona 1-0, despite the fact that Atletico's struggled with injuries to several key players.
It's the fifth meeting between the two sides this season.
The previous four games are two scoreless draws and two 1-all draws.
 
 
Portugal boss Paulo Bento extends contract
 
Staying in football.
Portugal boss Paulo Bento has extended his contract until 2016.
The 44-year-old has been in charge since 2010.
His current contract finishes in July after the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Here's what Bento think of the extension.
"Above all great satisfaction and great pride to be able to continue to represent the Portuguese football federation with a project that began four years ago and will continue now with the ambition to get good results in the 2014 World Cup, and a good qualification campaign for Euro 2016."
Under Bento, Portugal made it to the last four at the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, losing to Spain.
He has been in charge of 40 matches, winning 23, losing seven and drawing 10.
 
 
IOC says a Plan B too early for Rio
 
The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, has said that it was "premature" to speculate about taking the 2016 Games away from Brazil.
The comment comes after leaders of 18 different sports federations demanded a "Plan B" because of the troubled preparations in Rio de Janeiro.
Olympic officials, including IOC President Thomas Bach say the construction holdups and political paralysis have reached a critical point.
They require the IOC to take special measures to save the Games.
The greatest worries centred on Deodoro, a complex in north Rio that is to host venues for eight sports.
Work has not even begun on this site.
Meantime, construction workers in Rio's Olympic Park have been on strike since last Thursday. They are demanding higher pay and health care benefits.
With two years to go, it would be virtually impossible to find an alternate site on such short notice.
 
 
NBA Lineup
 
A quick look at today's games in the NBA.
Brooklyn will clash with Orlando.
Detroit will take on Cleveland.
Boston is up against Atlanta.
Phoenix will compete with New Orleans.
Miami is in the game with Memphis.
And Houston will take on Denver.
 
 
Entertainment
 
 
Gong Li sports swimwear at Shanghai Fashion Week
 
The 2014 Shanghai Fashion week kicked off last night.
Forty-five shows are scheduled during the week at the event, with many of them featuring international designers.
On the opening day, local designer Zheng Shijing was in the spotlight. She studied at the Beijing Institute of Fashion and Technology before working for Aimer, China's leading underwear brand.
"To be humble, we still can't compare with those big brands, but it won't take long for us to catch up. Consumers are not as fixed to big brands as a couple of years ago. They are starting to buy items because of their designs, although there might not be a fancy logo, and I think it's the process that the consumers progress. And I think China has a bright future."
Also in attendance was the Movie star Gong Li who attended as Aimer Ambassador.
"It is fashionable to wear swimsuits not just for swimming, you can also wear them when you walk along the beaches, dine in restaurants or along the beach, Maybe sometimes our Chinese concept is somehow different; we always wear one-piece swimming suits. But actually a bikini, it can look extraordinarily beautiful as well."
If you're interested in checking out the latest fashions from China the event is being held in trendy neighbourhood of Xintiandi in Shanghai.
 
 
Vienna Philharmonic awarded Birgit Nilsson Prize
 
(Vienna)
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has been awarded the million dollar (US) the Birgit Nilsson Foundation prize.
The award, named after the late Swedish soprano, was founded in 2009 and is given to artists "who have made the biggest contribution to classical music." It is the first time it has been awarded to an orchestra.
Rutbert Reisch is the Birgit Nilsson Foundation President:
"Of course we are very, very happy about it because I know that Birgit Nilsson adored the Vienna Philharmonic. She loved the sound, the shading, the expressiveness and particularly important for a singer - they know how to form an entity with the singer on stage.
The Birgit Nilsson prize adds to the list of honors accorded to the Viennese ensemble, which is recognized as one of the world's greatest.
The full orchestra is going to travel to Stockholm for the Oct. 8 award ceremony, in the presence of the Swedish King, for a performance of works by Liszt and Wagner.
 
 
WWE wrestler The Ultimate Warrior dies aged 54
 
James Brian Hellwig, better known as WWE wrestler The Ultimate Warrior, has died at the age of 54.
He had appeared at WrestleMania 30 on Monday shortly after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
Many people offered messages of condolence including fellow wrestlers Triple H and Hulk Hogan, while Daniel Bryan added:
"Seeing how much he loved his daughters and wife this weekend makes it all the more heartbreaking."
The Ultimate Warrior began his wrestling career in 1987 and very quickly became one of the sport's most high profile stars.
 
 
Peaches Geldof post-mortem 'inconclusive'
 
British police say a post-mortem on Peaches Geldof has proved inconclusive, and toxicology tests will now be carried out to determine the cause of death.
The daughter of singer and campaigner Sir Bob Geldof, who was also a writer, TV presenter and model in her own right, was found dead at her home in Kent on Monday, she was 25-years-old.
Police have said that the case is being treated as "non-suspicious but unexplained and sudden."
The results from the toxicology tests are expected to take several weeks.
 
 
 
That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
An Australian search vessel has again picked up possible black-box locator signals, narrowing the search area for missing flight MH370...
A delegation that accompanied the Australian prime minister to China is looking for opportunities in the financial services sector.. .
And a special zone for medical tourism is now under construction in Hainan...
In Business...new arbitration rules have been enacted in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone...
On behalf of the Beijing Hour staffers, this is Shane Bigham in Beijing hoping you'll join us for our next edition of the Beijing Hour to open a window to the world together.