新闻纵贯线 The Beijing Hour updated 08:00 2014/06/11

The Beijing Hour
 
Morning Edition
 
 
Paul James with you on this Wednesday, June 11, 2014.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
Hong Kong officials have been making comment on a new white paper about the "one-country, two systems" policy.
More towns in northern Iraq are coming under control of al-Qaeda forces following the fall of the country's 2nd largest city on Tuesday.
A major international summit on the elimination of sexual assault in conflict zones is underway in London.
In Business... a major gaming conference is underway in Los Angeles.
In sports... Japanese officials have been tapped to referee the first match of the World Cup in Brazil.
In entertainment... Prince William has been hob-knobbing with David Beckham ahead of the World Cup openers this week.
 
 
Weather
 
 
Beijing will be cloudy today with a high of 28 degree Celsius.
Overnight it will be clear and temperatures should drop down to around 19.
Shanghai will be cloudy during the daytime with a high of 28.
Overnight, it will be overcast with a low of 21.
In Chongqing, it will be overcast with a high of 27.
Overnight showers and lows are expected to be around 21.
Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,
Islamabad will be sunny with a high of 44.
Kabul will be sunny with a high of 25.
Over to North America,
New York will see moderate rain today with a high of 21 degrees.
Washington will be overcast with a high of 29 degrees.
Honolulu, cloudy, 31.
Toronto, Canada, will be cloudy with a high of 22 degrees.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires will be sunny with a high of 19.
And Rio de Janeiro will see slight rain with a high of 26 degrees Celsius.
 
 
Top News
 
 
Hong Kong Official Responds to White Paper
 
Municipal officials in Hong Kong are offering their response to the State Council's new white paper on how the "one country, two systems" policy in Hong Kong is being implemented.
Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam says one of the key elements of the report is the protection of Hong Kong when it comes to foreign dealings with the mainland.
"Wherever you go on this earth, every country takes the sovereignty issue very seriously. I don't think it's a special issue but an important one. We won't allow foreign forces or any other people to dip their fingers into the affairs of our country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region."
Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung says Hong Kong's special status is something that needs to be protected.
"We all know that Hong Kong is a complicated society with special historical and political background. Every one of us needs to keep alert in light of this."
Among the highlights of the white paper from the State Council is an assurance that universal suffrage will eventually be achieved in electing the Chief Executive and the members of the legislative assembly.
Under the current system, the central authorities in Beijing appoint the Chief Executive, after voted-in by a select group of several hundred individuals from different walks of life in the city.
 
 
State Council issues white paper on "one country two systems" policy in HK
 
Anchor:
For more on what the new white paper on Hong Kong has to offer, here's CRI's Xie Zhao.
Reporter:
The white paper outlines social progress and economic development in Hong Kong after its return to China in July 1997.
It says as part of the "one country, two systems" policy, the central government maintains the Basic Law of Hong Kong and supports the administration of the chief executive and government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Hong Kong SAR exercises a high degree of autonomy based on the law, and is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power.
The white paper says the election of the chief executive of the SAR has become increasingly democratic.
In 2007, the 31st Session of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National People's Congress said that the election of the fifth chief executive of Hong Kong in 2017 may be carried out by universal suffrage.
Meanwhile, the election of Hong Kong's Legislative Council could also be implemented via universal suffrage.
In terms of economic development, the white paper says Hong Kong has maintained steady growth from 1997 to 2013, as the gross regional product grew by 3.4 percent annually.
Over the years, Hong Kong has also generally been recognized as one of the world's freest economies.
In the World Bank's World Investment Report 2013, Hong Kong was ranked third in the world in attracting foreign direct investment.
The region also continues to provide quality medical and health care services, as the budget on the health sector accounts for 17 percent of expenditures in the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
The paper also calls for enhanced cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland to boost communication and understanding.
The "one country, two systems" policy was first put forward by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the early 1980s.
The groundbreaking policy, which aims to realize the peaceful reunification of the country, allows Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan to retain their capitalist systems while the mainland adheres to the socialist system.
For CRI, I'm Xie Zhao.
 
 
Premier Li Keqiang stresses "targeted" economic control
 
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is stressing the importance of keeping economic growth here in China in a proper range.
He's made the suggestion while addressing a select group of this country's top academics and scientists at a conference in Beijing.
"We are now entering a new phase of development. We have put reforms at our priority. Reforms will always affect the vested interests of some people. However, for China's economic development and to motive creativity and innovation of more, we have no other choice but continue to reform."
Li Keqiang is also warning the economy is facing a lot of downward pressure at the moment.
As such, he says to meet the government's full-year target of 7.5-percent growth, this country needs to be more innovative.
"Technology is the very foundation for China to step into a higher rank of economy. It is also essential for a long-term economic growth. Therefore, we will continue to encourage innovation on technology."
The Premier's comments have been made at a combined meeting of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering taking place this week in Beijing.
 
 
Chinese FM wraps up two-day India visit
 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has wrapped up a two-day visit to India.
As part of his time in New Delhi, Wang Yi has met with the new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He says the Chinese government wants to expand investment with India.
"The new Indian government is moving forward with a strategy to develop its east region, and China is working to develop its west region. We can well cooperate in this field and promote our development together. China is ready to invest more in India, particularly in sectors in which China has excelled in expertise like infrastructure and manufacturing."
Modi's new government has spelled out its foreign policy this week, saying India wants to engage "energetically" with China to develop strategic and cooperative partnerships.
The decades-old border dispute between China and India has also been discussed as part of Wang Yi's time in Delhi.
 
 
Insurgents seize more towns in northern Iraq
 
More communities in northern Iraq are being taken over by armed militants.
At least five more towns on the outskirts of the city of Kirkuk have been overrun by hundreds of gunmen.
The gunmen are said to have been able to take the towns without a fight, after security forces withdrew.
The new attacks come the heels of armed gunmen taking over the city of Mosul earlier in the day on Tuesday.
Mosul, the capital of the province of Niveveh and Iraq's second-largest city, has been overrun by hundreds of militant fighters after Iraqi security forces withdrew.
It's being reported that upward of 150-thousand people have fled the overrun communities.
Iraq's al-Qaeda offshoot, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, is said to be behind the massive insurgency.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked parliament to declare a state of emergency.
The United States says it supports a strong and coordinated response.
It's unclear if any Chinese interests in the region are being affected by the assault.
 
 
Reuven Rivlin Elected Israel's 10th President
 
A former speaker of the Israeli Parliament is set to become the new President of Israel.
The Israeli Parliament has voted to install 75-year old Reuven Rivlin as the next President.
"From this point, I am not a political person. I am one of the nation. Long live the State of Israel!"
A veteran member of the ruling right-wing Likud Party, Riviln managed to beat out left-wing challenger Meir Sheetrit in the final ballot.
Rivlin, on top of being a former parliamentary speaker, was also the communications minister under late-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Israeli observers expect Rivlin's main focus is going to be on domestic issues.
"He said his main challenge will be to integrate the two minorities that are always kind of excluded from Israeli society, one is the Ultra-Orthodox, and the other is the Israeli Arabs. He will do his utmost to integrate them better and make everyone understand each other better. I can guess he will be much more careful to talk about the peace process, and his term I would believe will focus more on internal social matters."
Rivlin will take over from outgoing President Shimon Peres, who is retiring after completing his 7-year term as President of Israel.
"It is a position that brings with it responsibility, you have to consider your every word and every action."
The Israeli President, elected by members of the Parliament, holds few executive powers, with the position being largely ceremonial.
Rivlin will officially take over as Israeli President next month.
 
 
South Korean sunken ferry crew go on trial
 
Fifteen crew members from the sunken South Korean ferry "Sewol" have gone on trial in a local district court.
The crew members are facing charges of negligence and failing to save the over 300 people, mostly highschool students, who were killed in the disaster.
Relatives of the victims have packed the court in Gwangju, the closest city to the scene of the accident.
Captain Lee Joon-seok and three others are facing the most serious charges of "homicide through willful negligence".
Meanwhile, South Korean President Park Geun-hye is demanding police do more to locate and arrest the would-be owner of the ferry.
"Prosecutors and police have been making efforts to capture Yoo Byung-Un, but it does not make any sense that they haven't caught him yet. They need to recheck arresting methods and explore every possible means to bring Yoo to justice."
Yoo is wanted on charges of embezzlement, negligence and tax evasion.
He already has a checkered past, with his psudo-Catholic church having already been connected to a cult-like mass-murder in the 1980's.
A total of 310 people were killed after the ferry "Sewol" capsized and sank in late April.
A dozen victims have yet to be recovered.
Four Chinese nationals are among the dead.
On Tuesday, Park Geun-hye also nominated new prime minister. Moon Chang-keuk, a former journalist at the JoongAng Ilbo daily newspaper, was named to replace the incumbent prime minister Chung Hong-won, who has offered resignation after the deadly ferry sinking disaster.
 
 
Attackers might be foreigners and severe warn by Pakistan Interior Minister
 
There's been another attack near the main airport in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi.
Several people have been injured after unknown gunmen attacked a security camp near the airport.
The latest attack follows a major assault on the airport on Sunday which left at least 38 people dead, including ten attackers.
Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Khan says the attackers may be foreigners, and says the whole country needs to be on alert.
"I was told that apparently their features show that they are foreigners. But this can only be confirmed after biometric examinations and post mortems of the bodies have been recovered."
The Pakistani Taliban is threatening more attacks after claiming responsibility for Sunday's assault.
The Taliban says Sunday's attack is revenge for the killing of the group's leader in a US drone strike in November.
 
 
Seven men arrestd for sexual assault in Cairo
 
Seven men have been arrested in Cairo for the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student in Tahrir Square.
The attack in the Egyptian capital took place after the inauguration of Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi as the country's new president on Sunday.
The 19-year old woman's condition has not been made public.
There have also been reports of close to 30 other sexually-related incidents during the mass rallies in support of the new Egyptian President.
Activists in Egypt say the number of sexual assaults have increased dramatically since the fall of Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
"What happened yesterday near Tahrir Square was sexual harassment and rape by using sharp objects. It proves that a weak law or even 10 initiatives will not be able to put an end to crimes of sexual violence against women and girls. Policy makers should have a complete patriotic plan."
Tougher new laws have already been brought in to try to curb the rise in sexual assaults in Egypt.
 
 
Leader Pledge to End Sexual Violence in War at Global Summit
 
Anchor:
A global summit on the elimination of sexual violence has opened in London.
The 4-day event is focused on dealing with sex-crimes in war zones.
CRI's London correspondent Duan Xuelian has more.
Reporter:
The Summit is the result of a two-year campaign led by British Foreign Minister William Hague and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie.
At the opening ceremony, Hague has announced the UK is putting forward an additional 10-million US dollars to support survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones.
In making the pledge, Hague says part of their goal is to allow survivors of sexual violence to have a voice.
"We want to encourage men to speak out, to agree with us that it is only a weak or inadequate man who abuses women. We want to draw attention to the hidden survivors of sexual violence, all those who have felt unable to speak out and who have suffered in silence including men and boys. We want people around the world to understand the scale of the problem and the urgent need for action."
Hollywood actress and UN human rights ambassador Angelina Jolie has used the opening of the conference in London to share her experiences visiting women and children who have suffered from sexual abuse in conflict zones.
"This whole subject has been tabooed for far too long. War zone rape is a crime that thrives on silence and denial. The stigma harms survivors, it causes feeling of shame and worthlessness, it feeds ignorance such as the notion that rape has anything to do with normal sexual impulses. But most of all, it allows the rapist to get away with it."
As part of the agenda, ministers and heads-of-state from some 70-countries attending the event are expected to discuss practical ways to bring sexual violence in conflict-zones to an end.
The conference has also attracted non-governmental organization from around the world as well.
This year's event is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
For CRI, I'm Duan Xuelian in London.
 
 
Biz Reports
 
 
First off, let's take a quick look at the closing numbers across North America and Europe.
Joinning me on the desk, CRI's Luo Wen.
Reporter:
U.S. stocks closed little changed Tuesday, as investors hesitated to continue buying shares after major stock indices broke through record highs repeatedly through previous sessions.
The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all ended virtually flat.
On the commodities front, oil prices edged down and gold futures went up.
In Europe, Germany's DAX rose 0.2%, France's CAC 40 rose 0.2%, and Britain's FTSE 100 closed flat.
 
 
The ongoing E3 and gaming industry
 
Microsoft and Sony have each launched a slate of new games to mark the start of the Electronic Entertainment Expo taking place in Los Angeles.
Phil Spencer is the head of Microsoft's new Xbox One program.
"We shared our commitment to make Xbox One the best place to play games this generation. We showed you that this holiday the best place to play games is Xbox One. But this is just the beginning. We will continue to invest in bringing new creators to Xbox One."
At the same time, Sony has unveiled a series of new titles for the PlayStation 4.
Shawn Layden is the CEO of Sony Entertainment America.
"Last year, we introduced PlayStation 4 and it became the fastest selling home console of all time. It continues to move at an incredible momentum and trajectory into the marketplace. At E3 this year it's chance for us to really tell that content story in a broader and deeper sort of way."
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, also known as E3, runs through Thursday in LA.
 
 
EU raises 500 mln euros for Ukraine via MFA II program
 
The European Commission has raised 500 million euros on the capital markets to fund the first tranche of loans for Ukraine under the new macro-financial assistance program.
The fund has now jumped from 2.6 to 3.2-billion euros.
Ukraine has already been given 100-million out of the fund.
The MFA is an EU crisis-response instrument, which can be made available to the EU's neighboring countries, which are experiencing financial problems.
 
 
EU highlights innovation reforms for economic recovery
 
The European Union is determined to reform.
The European Commission has highlighted the importance of research and innovation investments in their recently released statement.
According to the European Union statement, increasing R&I investment is a proven driver of growth and is also critical for further development of Europe.
The Communication published Tuesday indicated three key areas of reform, including strategy development and the policy-making process, the quality of R&I programs, and new partnerships between public institutions and the industry.
 
 
Strong momentum maintained in British GDP growth: think tank
 
A leading economic think tank holds optimistic about the British economy.
The London based National Institute of Economic and Social Research released its forecast yesterday.
The British economy has grown by 0.9 percent in the three months to the end of May.
Though the number shows a slight decline from the previous rolling three-month figure, the think tanks thinks it shows a continued growth of the economy regardless.
However, according to their director Jonathan Portes, the central bank, the Bank of England, is unlikely to raise the Bank Rate in the short term.
 
 
U.S. small business confidence hits highest since 2007
 
The Small-business Optimism Index in the United States has edged up 1.4 points to 96.6 this past month.
This represents its highest level since September 2007.
However, a figure below 100 still represents pessimism.
Five of 10 index components have increased through May.
Most noteably, the net percentage of small-business owners who expect the economy to improve has increased.
 
 
Alibaba, SMG team up to create new media platform
 
Alibaba and Dragon TV have announced a new partnership.
The deal will allow Dragon TV viewers to buy products and services they see on the various programs through Alibaba's online shopping center Tmall.com.
The two companies are also working together through the new YuLeBao platform Alibaba has set up.
This is a wealth management system which has been established so people can invest in cultural-related products.
The new deal has been announced at this week's Shanghai TV Festival.
Terms of the agreement have not been made public.
 
 
China Mobile buys $880 mn stake in Thailand's True Corp.
 
Thai telecommunications firm True has agreed to sell an 18-percent stake in its business to China Mobile for about 880 million US dollars, creating a strategic partnership.
True says it will use the money to reduce its debt and pursue its goal of becoming "an all-powerful leading convergence telecommunications player", bringing together broadband Internet, pay TV and mobile telephone services.
True also says the partnership "reflects the international business community's confidence in Thailand's long-term economy".
China Mobile, the world's biggest mobile operator by subscribers, says the purchase reflects its international expansion and search for strategic investment opportunities overseas.
 
 
Headline News
 
 
China, Bangladesh pledge joint efforts to build economic corridor
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
As part of the talks, the two have agreed to push forward the planned multi-country economic pass through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar.
The concept was first put forward by Xi Jinping as part of the broader creation of a 21st century "Silk Road."
Sheikh Hasina is here in China to help mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.
 
 
China launches fund to boost underdeveloped regions
 
A new fund worth close to 3-billion yuan is being put aside to help China's less-developed regions.
The fund is being financed by the Ministry of Finance, as well as the China National Tobacco Corporation and the State Development and Investment Corporation.
The fund is designed to try to attract more businesses into this country's impoverished regions.
Its main focus will be toward financing agriculture and tourism initiatives.
 
 
1 student killed at U.S. Oregon school, gunman also dead
 
At least one young person has been killed in a high school shooting in the US state of Oregon.
The attack took place at a school in the suburbs of the city of Portland.
There have been conflicting reports about the number of injured.
It's also believed the shooter has been killed as well.
The school is still said to be on police lockdown.
So far, no motive for the attack is being offered by the authorities.
 
 
Five U.S. troops killed during security operation in Afghanistan: Pentagon
 
Five US soldiers have been killed in what could be a friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan.
The Pentagon says the troops were on patrol in southern Afghanistan when they were killed.
However, few other details are being offered at this time, including how the soldiers were killed.
Their deaths bring the total number of NATO troops killed in Afghanistan this year up to 39.
US forces still make up the bulk of the foreign troops still in Afghanistan, though their numbers are expected to be pared down to less than 10-thousand next year.
 
 
UN General Assembly to elect new president Wednesday
 
The UN General Assembly is set to hold a meeting later on this Wednesday to officially elect the next president of the Assembly.
Uganda's foreign minister, Sam Kutesa, is expected to be installed through the vote.
He'll be taking over from the current president from Antigua.
The UN General Assembly is where representatives of all member-states meet to deliberate global policy.
However, the power in the UN is held within the Security Council, which is made up of 5 permanent members and a rotating group of 10 other countries from different regions around the world.
 
 
Newspaper Picks
 
 
THE BEIJING NEWS
Headline
Kidnapper killed at school
Summary
A knife-wielding, explosive-carrying suspect has been shot dead after holding children and a teacher hostage in a school in central China.
The incident took place yesterday at a primary school in the city of Qianjiang in Hubei, and is said to have stemmed from an argument with a local official
The suspect had previously been jailed for theft, illegal firearms production and assault.
BEIJING MORNING POST
Headline
Laos delivers drug suspects to China
Summary
Laotian police have handed over five suspects allegedly involved in a major cross-border drug trafficking case to their Chinese counterparts.
The suspects have been taken to Kunming in Yunnan.
THE BEIJING TIMES
Headline
Another official sacked.
Summary
Party officials in Jiangxi have removed a provincial committee member for disciplinary violations.
The details behind what Zhao Zhiyong is accused of have not been revealed.
CHINA DAILY
Headline
Oil refinery still burning
Summary
A fire caused by an explosion on Tuesday at an oil refinery in Nanjing is still said to be burning.
The explosion caused the collapse of three chemical storage tanks at the site.
One of the tanks is still burning.
No casualties have been reported.
GLOBAL TIMES
Headline
Cult members arrested
Summary
The paper is reporting that a wide-sweeping campaign has been underway to arrest members of a cult.
Since 2012, 15-hundred members of the so-called Church of the Almighty God have been arrested.
800 have been detained in Ningxia.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Maid abuse in Hong Kong
Summary
A Hong Kong woman has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges of abusing her Indonesian domestic helper.
The pictures of the domestic helper's bruised body has prompted international outrage at the treatment of maids in Hong Kong.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has denounced her treatment as torture.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Metro operator scraps World Cup station name plan
Summary
Beijing's Metro operator has canceled its plan to name subway stations after World Cup teams due to public complaints.
Above the regular station name, a sign printed with a country name and national flag had been added.
However, the metro operator has decided to remove the signs after receiving complaints from people online, many of whom said the move would be confusing for travellers.
 
 
Special Reports
 
 
Low Carbon Day
 
Anchor:
A national "Low-carbon" day has been observed here in China as part of the government's broader plan to clean up this country's air.
"Low-carbon" day is part of a week-long series of activities this week to mark the Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Promotion Week.
CRI's Li Dong has more.
Reporter:
Southern China's Guangdong provincial government is calling on staff in all official agencies and public offices to reduce the use of elevators turn off the lights when rooms are not in use, and suspend the use of air conditioners on June 10.
The purpose of the move is to remind people what it feels like to deal with an energy shortage and make people aware of how much energy they use.
Ordinary people have voiced opinions on this.
"Low carbon life is good. But we should not be superficial in our actions. It's not enough to shut off the air conditioner on this particular day only."
"The government is supposed to set an example of promoting low carbon and energy savings. Only by governments practicing what they preach can the public follow the example."
In Beijing, the 8th International Energy Saving Exhibition is happening in conjunction with the weeklong low-carbon campaign.
Various high tech and innovative energy saving products are on display at the expo. Eco-transport and air cleaning products are the highlights of the event.
A volunteer uses software to show visitors how our daily habits are contributing to carbon emission.
"For instance, you just input, in a year, how many kilometers you drive, whether your car is a low emission type, plus the electricity and other energy you use in your life, and the software shows how many trees you need to plant to balance the carbon footprint you make."
Promoting the use of public transport is considered an efficient way to cut energy use and reduce carbon emission.
Zhou Yifan, deputy director of Beijing Association to Promote Energy Consumption and Environmental Protection, explains.
"According to official plans, an estimated 23 subway lines will be in service in Beijing by 2018. The total length of the transit system may exceed 700 kilometers. Using subways and reducing the use of other vehicles which burns gasoline and diesel may make Beijing's sky more blue."
China introduced the National Low-carbon Day last year.
The activity is aimed at promoting awareness about climate change and low-carbon development policies, encouraging public participation and facilitating the country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For CRI, I am Li Dong.
 
 
Sports
 
 
Game 3 of NBA finals goes this morning
 
In Basketball,
Game three of the NBA final is set to get underway later on this morning.
The Miami Heat will look to take home-court advantage as they entertain the San Antonio Spurs.
The Heat come into the game this morning off a narrow 98-96 victory over San Antonio in Game 2.
Lebron James hoping for another big game after knocking down 35 points and 10-rebounds in the last game.
Tip-off in Miami is set for 9am Beijing Time.
 
 
Shelly Sterling to seek court backing as LA Clippers owner
 
It's being reported Shelly Sterling will seek an emergency court order for a hearing later on this Wednesday to confirm her authority to sell the Los Angeles Clippers.
The NBA has already approved a deal through Shelly Sterling to sell the club for 2 billion US dollars to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
Shelly's ex-husband Donald Sterling had previously said he would support the deal.
However, he's since declared the team is no longer for sale.
Donald Sterling has also announced he's launching a 1 billion dollar federal lawsuit against the NBA.
Sterling is being forced to sell the LA Clippers following racist comments he made, which came to light a few weeks ago.
 
 
Berdych and Dimitrov advance to 3rd round at AEGON Championships
 
In tennis,
In second round action of the Aegon Championship at Queen's Club in London,
2nd seeded Tomas Berdych managed to close out a 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Australian qualifier James Duckworth to enter the third round.
4th seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov has also advanced to the third round after downing British wild card James Ward 7-5, 6-3.
South African Kevin Anderson has also advanced.
Britian's Andy Murray will begin his Queen's title defense against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu later today.
Murray comes into the tournament on the heels of appointing former women's world number-1 Amelie Mauresmo as his new head coach.
----
At the Gerry Weber Open in Germany,
Last year's runner-up, Mikhail Youzhny, has been bounced in the first round by Ivo Karlovia 6-3, 6-4.
Karlovia will next face Lu Yen-Hsun from Taiwan who defeated Croatian qualifier Mate Pavic 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.
There was an early exit for fifth seed Richard Gasquet, who lost to Holland's Robin Haase 6-4, 6-4.
Top seed Rafael Nadal will start his play in the second round against Dustin Brown of Germany later today.
Defending champion Roger Federer will face a second round opponent of Joao Sousa of Portugal on Thursday.
 
 
Day 11 at FIH Hockey World Cup.
 
At the Field Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands,
Argentina's men have made history after downing South African 5-1 to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time in the country's history.
Argentina is likely to face reigning champions Australia in the semi-final.
Meantime, Germany has ended its Pool B campaign by claiming a 6-1 victory over South Korea.
----
In the women's competition,
England's women's squad has finally earned a win, downing Germany 3-1.
Despite the win, England still finishes at the bottom of the group and will face Belgium for 11th or 12th place.
 
 
Nishimura of Japan to referee World Cup opener
 
Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura is set to officiate the opening match of this year's World Cup between Brazil and Croatia on Thursday.
Nishimura will be assisted by Japanese compatriots Toru Sagara and Toshiyuki Nagi.
Nishimura handled four games at the last World Cup, including the quarterfinal clash between the Netherlands and Brazil.
FIFA has also selected Nicola Rizzoli of Italy to officiate the highly-anticipated Group B match between world champion Spain and the Netherlands.
 
 
Entertainment
 
 
David Beckham optimistic about England World Cup bid at wildlife event with Prince William
 
David Beckham has been joining forces with Prince William at a United for Wildlife event in London.
The pair launched the organization's WhoseSideAreYouOn campaign with the hope of engaging young people's support to combat the illegal trade in wildlife products.
"Last year we created 'United for Wildlife' a powerful global alliance of seven of the most influential conservation organizations and the Royal Foundation, to tackle wildlife crime. The illegal wildlife trade thrives because it is hidden, often invisible, making it easy for criminals to build and expand their violent greed. We wanted to find a way to show the world what was happening."
The initiative will use social media to raise awareness.
As well as this initiative of course with the World Cup just one day away, reporters couldn't resist the urge to ask The former England football captain David Beckham what he thought of England's Chances at Brazil 2014.
He said the side must believe they can win and that Wayne Rooney will be key to England's success.
"Wayne (Rooney), without a doubt (will be ready), you know. Wayne proves himself every time that he steps onto a football field, you know. At the end of the day, Man United might not have had a great season, but he had a good season. He performed well in almost every game and every time he puts an England shirt on, you know it means something."
England are drawn in Group D along with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.
 
 
First trailer for Chinese 'Superboy' film 'No Zou No Die' released
 
The Chinese film "No Zuo No Die" (WO JIU SHI WO) has just released its first trailer.
(No Die Trailer)
The film stars 12 so called "Super Boys" from the TV talent show of that name, these include Hua Chenyu, Bai Jugang and Zuo Li.
"Super Boy" is a Chinese singing competition for male contestants and is produced and organized by Hunan Satellite Television.
The film's producer, Ma Hao, said that they had been holding the "Super Boy" talent show for 10 years and attributed the show's success to fans' support.
Ma insisted that the film, "No Zuo No Die," was a gift to the show's fans and a tribute to youth.
Directed by Fan Lixin, the film is set to screen in China on July 18th.
 
 
Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock honoured at Guys Choice awards
 
Over in the US Matthew McConaughey has been named Guy of the Year at the "Guys Choice" awards.
Meanwhile Sandra Bullock was honoured in the Decade of Hotness category by former co-stars Keanu Reeves, Hugh Grant and McConaughey. She joked that she could think of a more appropriate term.
"It really should be (called) Decade of Hot Mess. 'That I can own," I do that well and I'm still convinced that I'm here because someone dropped out and they needed someone quickly and they know I'm home on Saturday's. I'd like to thank every hair stylist and make-up artist for creating the illusion because this did not look like this a couple of hours ago."
"Guys Choice" airs later this Wednesday in the US on Spike TV.
 
Sir Paul McCartney cancels seven more gigs as he recovers from virus
 
(McCartney)
Sir Paul McCartney has postponed the first seven of his US tour dates as he continues to recover from a virus he contracted last month.
The former Beatle, who turns 72 next week, said he was feeling great but had cancelled the shows on medical advice. The shows which were set to start from June 14 in Texas have been rescheduled to October.
His next gig now is scheduled for Albany on July 5.
Earlier he had cancelled the Japanese leg of his Out There tour as well as one show in South Korea.
 
 
'Spot the Dog' author Eric Hill dies at 86
 
Eric Hill, the creator of the children's books, Spot the Dog, has died at the age of 86.
The popular books by the British author and illustrator have sold more than 60 million copies.
The books feature a dog named spot, with simple short sentences on each page and a lift the flap device, which turns reading into a fun game of hide and seek for children.
Hill, who was born in London, died at his home in California. His family say he will be missed "immensely."
 
 
That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
Hong Kong officials have been making comment on a new white paper about the "one-country, two systems" policy.
More towns in northern Iraq are coming under control of al-Qaeda forces following the fall of the country's 2nd largest city on Tuesday.
A major international summit on the elimination of sexual assault in conflict zones is underway in London.
In Business... a major gaming conference is underway in Los Angeles.
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.