The Beijing Hour
Evening Edition
Rebecca Hume with you on this Monday, October 21st, 2013.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this evening,
Severe smog forces the closure of several roads and schools in China’s north east.
Australian wild fires at risk of merging as weather conditions worsen.
30 dead in Syria following a suicide attack on a Coptic church in Hama.
Business, UK government gives China-involved nuclear plant the go-ahead.
Sports, Scott Dixon claims the Indy Car championship in Fontana, California.
Entertainments, Jackie Chan dispels rumours that "Chinese Zodiac" is his farewell film.
Plus Special reports reviews this years Beijing marathon which see a turnout of tens of thousands of runners.
Weather
Beijing will be cloudy tonight with a low of 7 degrees Celsius. Tomorrow showers with a high temperature of 15.
Meanwhile Shanghai will be cloudy tonight, with a low of 16, cloudy sky continues tomorrow, with a high of 21.
Lhasa will be overcast tonight, 1 degrees the low, cloudy tomorrow with a high of 15.
Elsewhere in the world, staying in Asia
Islamabad, sunny with a high of 29.
Kabul, sunny, 24.
Over in Australia
Sydney, overcast, highs of 29.
Canberra, rainy, 27.
Brisbane, sunny, 28.
And finally, Perth will be sunny with a high of 23.
Top News
Q&A border and trade issues high on agenda of India PM's visit to China
Anchor:
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is set to visit China this week.
The visit comes after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India in May.
The two are expected to continue talks over a possible deal on managing border disputes this time.
The Chinese government has issued a statement, saying communication will strengthen ties between the two sides.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying,
"So we are highly looking forward to, through closely high-level communications and joint effort with India consistently enhancing strategic mutual trusts between China and India and consistently advancing practical cooperation between the two sides, deepening cultural and educational communication as well as exploring future strengthen communication and coordination on major global and regional issues in order to push forward the development of China-India relations."
Meantime, Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh says trade will also be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Singh's visit.
"The adverse trade deficit that India faces with its exchanges with China is an issue of concern, which we have raised with China at several occasions on several levels. This is something that can be dealt with by enhancing Chinese direct investment into India."
For more on Singh's visit to China, CRI's Zheng Chengguang spoke earlier with Dr. Hu Shisheng from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.
…
That's CRI's Zheng Chengguang speaking to Dr. Hu Shisheng from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.
Severe smog forces the closure of several roads and schools in north east
Heavy fog has hit northeast China's Heilongjiang, affecting road traffic and causing serious air pollution in many areas.
Han Guilin is from Harbin's Environmental Protection Bureau.
"The amount of pollutants that have been emitted to the air are increasing, which includes coal-firing, automobile exhaustion, crop straw burning."
Winter typically brings the worst air pollution to the region because of a combination of weather conditions and an increase in the burning of coal for homes and municipal heating systems.
In the city of Harbin,, heating systems kicked in on Sunday, by Monday visibility was less than 50 meters.
Primary and middle schools and some highways have been closed.
Hospitals are reportedly receiving more patients with respiratory issues.
Doctors are advising residents to stay indoors.
"Under such conditions, people should try to avoid outdoor activities, especially morning excises. Secondly, we suggest wearing masks. And seek treatments immediately when feeling uncomfortable."
At least 40 flights flying to destinations in southern China and Beijing have been cancelled or postponed.
The density of fine particulate matter used as an indicator of air quality is reported to be more than 24 times higher than the level considered safe by the World Health Organisation in Harbin City.
The PM2.5 density registered above 617 micrograms per cubic meter, while a safe level recommended by WHO is 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
Footage provided by China's state media is showing similar air pollution in the northeastern cities of Changchun, Jilin Province, and Shenyang City, Liaoning Province.
Aussie fires may merge to a big one: officials
Wildfires in Australia are showing no signs of dying down and authorities are concerned the three separate fires in New South Wales may merge to become one massive fire.
The fires in the Southern Highlands Blue Mountain area which began last Thursday are still uncontained.
The fire commissioner in NSW says weather conditions are set worsen over the coming days which could lead to the merger of the fires.
Around 14-thousand hectares of bush land have been burnt so far.
One man has been killed, 208 homes destroyed and another 122 damaged.
Fire fighters have spent the last four days trying to contain the fire with at least six water bombing helicopters assisting.
Looting has also been reported in affected areas.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is warning there are strong penalties for looting.
"First and foremost, the New South Wales Police Force will deal with you very harshly. Secondly, you need to understand that it carries significant penalties. You are facing a term of imprisonment of maximum fourteen years. Thirdly, we have officers out on the ground involved now in patrolling in these areas."
Authorities say high temperatures and strong winds are expected in the coming days.
3 killed as masked gunmen open fire at wedding in Egypt
Three people, including an 8-year-old girl, have been killed after a masked gunmen opened fire on a group of people at a Coptic church holding a wedding in Cairo on Sunday night.
A motive for the shooting is unclear.
Maged Hindy is an eyewitness of the shooting.
"There was a lot of traffic outside the church when a motorbike and a car approached the crowd outside the church. The car stopped and the gunman on the motorcycle started shooting and ran away."
Father Dawoud is priest at the church.
"What is happening is targeting all of Egypt and not only the Christians. This is enough, people are getting sick and tired of this."
Egypt has been in turmoil since a military coup in July ousted president Mohammed Morsi.
Since then, Cairo has seen demonstrations by his supporters demanding his return.
A military-backed crackdown has left hundreds dead and seen thousands arrested.
There has also have been attacks against Coptic Christian churches.
New violence kills 30 killed central Syria
Firefighters are still trying to put out the last of the fires created following a massive suicide bombing in the Syrian city of Hama.
A truck, loaded with one and a half tons of explosives, ripped through a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Hama.
The massive blast has left over 30 people dead.
10 others in the area managed to survive.
"I was heading to a school in Salamiya and the blast started. The first blast injured this leg, and the other blast injured my other leg."
"These innocent people don't deserve this. The scene is inhumane. These terrorists shouldn't be in this country."
The blast comes just a day after a similar blast at a military checkpoint in the suburbs of Damascus which left 16 dead.
The suicide bombings come as the international community prepares to meet in Geneva for a new set of talks in just over a month.
Canadian trade mission targets high-end wood sales to China
Canada's British Columbia is now promoting high-end wood products during its latest trade mission to China.
The 10-day mission includes some 25 top executives from the western province's forestry sector.
The team is in China this week after a spending a few days in Japan.
The Canadian province is on target for a record year for softwood-lumber exports to China.
Softwood lumber exports from the province to China totaled a record of over 1-billion Canadian dollars.
In the first seven months of this year, softwood lumber exports saw a 27 percent increase over the same period in 2012.
With British Columbia holding a 53-percent share of China's softwood lumber market, the current figures indicate the province is on its way to surpassing the 2011 level.
For more on the trade mission, Paul James earlier spoke to the B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson, who is also a member of the visiting group.
…
That was Paul James speaking to Steve Thomson, B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Biz Reports
Stocks
Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index extending a five-month high, amid speculation the Federal Reserve will delay stimulus cuts.
Chinese shares close higher on Monday as the central government has vowed to further promote reforms and restructuring in a statement issued on Sunday.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed 1.6 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index rose 1.8 percent.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.4 percent.
Elsewhere in Asia,
Nikkei ended 0.9 percent higher, supported by expectations for upbeat Japanese corporate earnings.
South Korean shares unchanged.
Singapore's Straits Times Index was up 0.1 percent.
And Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.6 percent.
UK government gives China-involved nuclear plant go-ahead
The British government has officially given the go-ahead for the country's first new nuclear station in a generation.
French utility company EDF and the British government have signed an agreement on the project worth 16 billion pounds or some 22 billion US dollars.
The UK has not seen new nuclear reactors in some 20-years.
Two Chinese companies are investing in the building of two nuclear reactors of the project.
China National Nuclear Corporation and China General Nuclear Power Corporation will be shareholders in the project, which is led by France's EDF Energy.
This is also the first time that foreign capital has been allowed to invest in civil nuclear projects in the UK.
Prime Minister David Cameron says the new Hinkley Point plant will help secure an economic recovery.
"This government has a long-term economic plan for Britain and we're delivering, including this vital new nuclear power station, which we hope will be the first of several other new nuclear power stations, kickstarting again this industry, providing thousands of jobs and providing long-term safe and secure supplies of electricity far into the future."
The existing plant at Hinkley currently produces about 1-percent of the UK's total energy.
The figure is expected to rise to 7-percent once the expansion is complete in 2023.
Call-in New home purchases rise 34.5% in 1st nine months
Anchor:
New data shows new home purchases here in China have risen significantly through the first three quarters of this year.
National Bureau of Statistics is reporting new home purchases are up 34.5 percent from a year earlier.
Over 750-million square meters worth of new properties have been sold from January to September.
The China Index Academy is reporting new home prices in 100 major Chinese cities have climbed for the 16th straight month through September.
For more on the housing market in China, CRI's Paul James earlier spoke with Mike Bastin, Visiting professor at China's University of International Business and Economics.
…
Back Anchor:
That was Mike Bastin, Visiting professor at China's University of International Business and Economics.
China, Bangladesh to progress BCIM Economic Corridor
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met with his Bangladesh counterpart Dipu Moni in Beijing on Sunday to push forward the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar, or the BCIM Economic Corridor.
Wang says China cherishes the friendship with Bangladesh and attaches importance to China-Bangladesh ties.
He says China is willing to maintain high-level visits, deepen pragmatic cooperation and push forward the construction of the BCIM Economic Corridor with Bangladesh.
for his part Moni said Bangladesh cherishes the bilateral relationship with China and will actively support and participate in the construction of the BCIM Economic Corridor.
He says Bangladesh will make joint efforts with China to comprehensively enhance bilateral relations.
Moni is currently on an official 3-day visit to China.
China Yiwu International Commodities Fair kicks off
The 19th China Yiwu International Commodities Fair has kicked off in the city of Yiwu, in east China's Zhejiang Province.
This years fair sees more than 2,700 exhibitors and 11,000 registered buyers.
Exhibitors are from seven industries including hardware, electronics, crafts, decorations, underwear and socks, stationery and sports goods.
Organisers say a record number of buyers will attend the fair this year.
The number of buyers from foreign countries is up 300-percent year on year.
It is the third largest export-oriented commodities fair in China, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Government of Zhejiang Province.
According to the organizer, more than 1.7 million kinds of commodities will be on display.
Yiwu City has the world's largest small commodity market.
This year's fair ends October 25th.
China's lottery sales hit record high
According to the Ministry of Finance, China's lottery sales reached a record high of over 36-billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of 2013, up 18.5 percent year on year.
Welfare lottery sales reached 128.6 billion yuan from January to September, an increase of 15.3 percent year on year.
Sports lottery sales during the three quarters rose 23-percent year on year to 96.4 billion yuan.
The ministry is attributing the jump in sales to the promotion of quiz-style games and more outlets for online lottery games.
Currently money raised through the lottery is used for the jackpot, management fees and public lottery funds.
BOJ Raises Views for First Time Since April
The Bank of Japan, BOJ has raised its view of all nine of the country's regional economies, marking the second across-the-board upgrade in the central bank's assessment of local economies this year.
In its latest quarterly regional economic assessment, the central bank says the upward revision reflected "some improvement observed in the employment and income situation, amid firm domestic demand and a moderate increase in production."
Investors will likely scrutinize the report, which could influence the BOJ policy board's views on the economy.
The BOJ last raised its view of all the regions in April.
Headline News
Border and trade issues high on agenda of India PM's visit to China
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is set to visit China this week.
The visit comes after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India in May.
The two are expected to continue talks over a possible deal on managing border disputes this time.
The Chinese government has issued a statement, saying communication will strengthen ties between the two sides.
Meantime, Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh says trade will also be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Singh's visit.
Severe smog forces the closure of several roads and schools in north east
Heavy fog has hit northeast China's Heilongjiang, affecting road traffic and causing serious air pollution in many areas.
In the city of Harbin,, heating systems kicked in on Sunday, by Monday visibility was less than 50 meters.
Primary and middle schools and some highways have been closed.
Hospitals are reportedly receiving more patients with respiratory issues.
Winter typically brings the worst air pollution to the region because of a combination of weather conditions and an increase in the burning of coal for homes and municipal heating systems.
Aussie fires may merge to a big one: officials
Wildfires in Australia are showing no signs of dying down and authorities are concerned the three separate fires in New South Wales may merge to become one massive fire.
The fires have so far left one person dead and destroyed over 200 homes.
Around 14-thousand hectares of bush land have been burnt so far.
Authorities say high temperatures and strong winds are expected in the coming days.
France summons US ambassador over spying claims
The French government has summoned the U.S ambassador over media claims that the U.S government has routinely spied on French citizens.
French newspaper Le Monde says the data is based on leaked information from ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
The French government says such activity is "unacceptable", particularly between two allies.
UK government gives China-involved nuclear plant go-ahead
The British government has officially given the go-ahead for the country's first new nuclear station in a generation.
French utility company EDF and the British government have signed an agreement on the project worth 16 billion pounds or some 22 billion US dollars.
Two Chinese companies are investing in the building of two nuclear reactors of the project.
China National Nuclear Corporation and China General Nuclear Power Corporation will be shareholders in the project, which is led by France's EDF Energy.
Eight disciplined in railway construction scandal
Chinese disciplinary officials say eight people working for a state-owned railway company have been punished for their role in an over-spending scandal.
The China Railway Construction Corporation has admitted it spent over 830-million-yuan or some 130-million U.S-dollars on receptions last year.
Disciplinary authorities have not identified the persons involved or what punishment they received.
Chief of China's central disciplinary authorities Wang Qishan has asked for the case to be dealt with "severely".
Newspaper Picks
China Daily
"Scientists requested central government to plant GM crops"
Experts in genetically modified product research have revealed that they petitioned the central government in July to increase the production of genetically modified crops.
More than 60 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering signed the petition and submitted it to the government.
They say China is one of the largest consumers of GM produce, but it currently depends on imports, rather than growing and selling its own GM crops.
In order to go to the market, experts call for a certificate from agricultural authorities showing that GM crops are profitable and can be introduced onto farms.
In September, the Ministry of Agriculture posted on its website an interview with Lin Min, a member of the nation's committee to evaluate the safety of GM organisms, and stated that GM food is as safe as non-GM food.
AFP
"Americans warm to online dating, survey shows"
A survey on Monday showed that Americans are growing more comfortable with online dating, and many are finding a spouse or partner in cyberspace.
The Pew Research Center found 11 percent of Internet users -- or some nine percent of all American adults -- said they have personally used an online dating site.
That is a sharp increase from 2008, when just three percent of American adults had used online dating sites.
Japan Daily Press
"Anti-radiation underwear created by Japanese swimwear company"
A Japanese swimwear company has launched a creation to block almost 100% of beta rays.
Yamamoto Corporation said the unique creation is made out of biorubber, which will protect its wearer from being exposed to harmful and contaminated materials.
As fears over radiation contamination continue due to recent revelations from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, the Osaka-based company came up with the wetsuit-style swimwear that has micron-sized bubbles.
Special Reports
Tens of thousands of runners competed in this year's Beijing marathon
Anchor:
The streets of Beijing were filled with runners yesterday, as the city hosted the 2013 Hyundai marathon.
CRI's Jordan Lee has more.
Reporter:
The sky was blue and the runners wore yellow... that is the race-issued yellow Adidas running shirts.
Over 30,000 athletes—young and old, seasoned veterans and first-timers—gathered at Tiananmen Square yesterday for the start of the 2013 Beijing marathon.
With ten minutes to go until the gun, runners joined in group calisthenics to warm up.
Then at 8 o'clock the race began.
Everyone surged forward, dodging discarded sweatshirts and hundreds of empty chocolate bar wrappers.
And then 100 yards later everyone stopped... for a photo op in front of the Forbidden City.
And then they surged forward again.
Preparing for a marathon is a months-long commitment. Proper training requires grueling endurance runs, a strength training regimen, and a balanced nutrition.
But some marathoners are a bit more spontaneous, like Marianne Sherman who just happens to be in town visiting her daughter.
“I didn't expect to do it, we just decided yesterday to do it. I'm not really going to run much, walk fast.”
Race-day attire also requires a lot of thought.
Most runners opt for sleek compression leggings and neon dry-fit tops. But others don't.
On Sunday, there was tie-dye clown hair, anime warriors, and Allen Iverson jerseys.
Beijing students Su FengFeng and Yao Fei decided to run their first marathon in furry pink full-body pajamas.
“Reporter: So why are you wearing these clothes?
Bunnies: We're all Beijing Normal University students. We all wanted to dress in the same, kind of crazy way to stand out.”
Other runners were repping their companies.
Wu Zhixiang carried an enormous corporate banner as he led over a hundred of his enthusiastic co-workers in the marathon.
“This is our company running group. Running is just our personal hobby, we didn't do any professional training. Whoever likes to run, can join this company activity. “
Out front in the elite running group, it was a close finish for the men.
As the three forerunners turned onto the final stretch near the Bird's Nest, Ethiopia's Tadese Tola Wold-Berel managed to pull ahead by a few seconds to win in two hours, seven minutes, and 16 seconds.
“It was very good. A little difficult, but totally it's good. I am happy with the result.”
And for the women, Chinese marathoner Zhang Yingying crossed the line first in two hours, 31 minutes, and 19 seconds.
For those interested in running Beijing 2014, you have 364 days left to train.
For CRI, I'm Jordan Lee
Sports
Scott Dixon wins IndyCar Championship
In Motor Racing,
Scott Dixon has claimed the IndyCar championship following his fifth place finish at the MAVTV 500 in Fontana, California.
Overwhelmed with emotion after winning his third series title, the Target Chip Ganassi driver was quick to thank the rest of his team for the victory:
"You know just huge credit to Team Target, they played everything straight tonight, you know we had to work on a bit of strategy, we had to work on the car a lot and then we had the issue with some overheating problems toward the end, I still can't believe that we've actually won the championship, this is fantastic, so many people to thank man it's just unbelievable."
Justin Wilson, who finished the year in sixth place overall, was taken to hospital after a multi-car crash on lap 111 left him with three broken bones in his pelvis.
The Briton was kept overnight for observation and then released.
Tom Sykes wins World Superbike Championship
Britain's Tom Sykes has won the World Superbike Championship after finishing third in the first race of the final round at Jerez.
Northern Ireland's Eurgene Laverty won the race at the Spanish circuit with Marco Melandri of Italy coming in second.
Skykes, who rides with Kawasaki, went into the finale double-header 37 points clear of Laverty.
The 28-year-old Yorkshireman missed out on the title by half a point last year.
Webb Simpson wins Las Vegas PGA
In Golf,
Former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson cruised to his fourth career victory on the PGA Tour at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.
The American began the final day with a four shot lead and never looked in danger.
Ending with a flurry of three birdies in the last three holes he closed out the tournament six shots ahead of his nearest challengers.
Ending on 24-under-par overall he said it was good to finally get a win after narrowly losing out in a playoff with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell back in April.
"This year I felt like I've got better, just hadn't got a win and I was close at Hilton Head. But we've been working hard and it's just nice to finish the year off with a 'W' (win) and get back to Hawaii."
Jin Jeong wins Perth International
Staying with golf
And over in Australia
South Korea's Jin Jeong made par on the first hole of a sudden death play-off to beat England's Ross Fisher to the Perth International golf title.
The Melbourne-based South Korean had two stints as the world's highest-ranked amateur in 2010 - and was also the leading amateur at that year's (British) Open Championship.
Since turning pro in 2011, his best finish has been a fifth place at last year's New Zealand PGA, so he said he was pleased to claim his first professional victory.
"I was struggling quite a bit when i was turning pro but it was always going to happen and learning i the circuit i guess. I learned a lot from there and it showed up today, it was great."
Meanwhile Fisher, who bogeyed the first play-off hole, was not too downhearted and remained confident that his time would come.
"The golf has been very very good. I am just pleased that i am knocking on the door and i know that one of these days it will come. Like you say, in the Race to Dubai i have moved up and i should hope that that has got me into next week in China. Good World Ranking points so hopefully that might put me into the top 100 so it is definitely a step in the right direction."
It wasn't such a good weekend for Sweden's Peter Hedblom however.
He needed to win the 2 million dollar tournament to keep his tour card after a disappointing season.
Though he began with an early two shot lead, he eventually finished tied for tenth, five shots worse than the victors.
China wins four out of five at Badminton Super Series in Denmark
In badminton,
China has won four-out-of-five super series finals at the Denmark Open.
Malaysia's defending champion Lee Chong Wei fell to China's Chen Long in the mens singles.
In a tense final it was the Malaysian top-seed who took the initiative early on leading by 12 points to eight.
But Chen managed to fight back to level the score to 14-all and eventually claim the first game 24 to 22.
In the second game Chen was the more dominant player, but this time Lee faught back level the score at 19 all...
At which point Chen managed to compose himself for three points in a row to claim the victory.
In the women's singles, China's Wang Yihan defeated South Korea's Ji Hyun Sung.
After losing the first set 16-21, the Chinese fifth seed beat her sixth seeded opponent 21-18 and 22-20 in another close final.
AND in the Mixed doubles China backed up their Olympic title by beating Indonesia's world champion team.
The womens doubles final featured the favourites from Denmark, but it only took two sets for the Chinese pair to crush their hopes of winning at home.
The remaining title in mens doubles went to South Korea who defeated Indonesia in the final.
Chinese Weightlifter Tan Yayun takes three golds at World Championships in Poland
Female Chinese weight lifter Tan Yayun has won three gold medals on the first-day of the World Weightlifting Championships in Poland.
The 21-year-old won the overall gold in 199 kilograms, after finishing first in the snatch with 84 kg as well as the clean and jerk in which she managed 115 kg.
The victory was far from easy for Tan as she was suffering badly with nerves.
Despite making 98kg in the snatch during training she failed to lift 84kg in her first two attempts in the competition.
But she managed to settle down and finally made the do-or-die lift on her final attempt.
Second place went to Ryang Chun Hwa of North Korea with 186kg while Valencia Hernandez was third with 181.
Entertainment
Jackie Chan talks "Chinese Zodiac"
Big Brother Jackie Chan has dispelled rumours that "Chinese Zodiac" is his farewell film.
The project, which premiered in China last year, is current showing in the US.
Chan wrote, directed and starred in the film, which revolves around a group trying to steal some of the 12 zodiac statue looted from China's old summer palace in 1860.
Since it was made, the Pinault family returned two of the bronze animal heads to Beijing's Ntional Museum of China.
The Pinault family owns French luxury group Kering, which is the parent group of luxury brands popular here in China, such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
Although Chan dismisses any link between his film and the return of the artefacts, he does believe the film has a resonant message.
"I think this movie talks about respecting other people's culture. If we keep buying artifacts obtained by illegal means, more people will rob tombs, like the ones in Egypt and China. These artifacts are international culture heritage. It belongs to the public, not one individual."
The film closes with a compilation of clips from Chan's long career, prompting rumours that "Chinese Zodiac" would precede an exit from the industry.
However, Chan explained that it was a 60th birthday present from his son JayCee, which he simply decided to throw into the mix.
"Chinese Zodiac" is currently showing at AMC Theatres in the US.
"Saving Mr Banks" World Premiere closes London Film Festival
Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson held the world premiere of "Saving Mr Banks" in London's Leicester Square on Sunday.
Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film follows the tempestuous relationship between "Mary Poppins" writer PL Travers and Walt Disney.
"Love Actually" actress Thompson plays Travers opposite Hanks' Disney, a role she found difficult and rife with contradictions.
Whilst still awaiting release, "Saving Mr Banks" is already emerging as an Oscar favourite.
The event, attended by hundreds of brave fans who withstood downpours, marked the close of this year's London Film Festival.
Industry veteran Hanks has been the toast of this year's festivities, which were opened by "Captain Phillips", a maritime thriller based on the true story of a ship taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2009.
'Fall of Ming' Premieres in BJ
The historical epic, "Fall of Ming," starring Chinese actors Feng Yuanzheng and Leon Dai, premiered at the Saga Theater in Beijing on Monday.
Set in 1642, the film addresses the period of turmoil for the Ming Dynasty when rebel leader Li Zicheng devised a plot to overthrough the ruling family.
The action unfolds against the backdrop of a pestilence outbreak, with the hope of cure resting on the shoulders of one man.
The film is poised to hit cinemas this Friday.
Ben Whishaw tipped to play Freddie Mercury
"Skyfall" actor Ben Whishaw has been marked out as a favourite to play Queen singer Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic.
This comes after "Borat" star Sacha Baron Cohen's departure from the project, over rumoured creative differences.
Speaking at a British talk show, Queen drummer Roger Taylor teased the band's favourite to take on the role of the legendary front man.
Mercury, often characterised as one of the greatest voices of all time, died in 1991 at the age of 45 from AIDs.
His flamboyant stage persona brought life to some of the best loved English songs of all time, including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We are the Champions".
In contrast to his facade as an entertainer, he is said to have been shy and introverted off stage.
It has been alleged that Baron Cohen faced conflict from members of Queen who wanted to steer the biopic off the comedy route.
Sony to reboot Little Women
Sony Pictures are working on an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women.
The story depicts the lives of four sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War.
The studios have enlisted "Crazy Stupid Love"'s Denise Di Novi and Robin Swicord to produce the project.
Newcomer Olivia Milch has been tapped to pen the script.
She is the daughter of Emmy-winning writer and producer David Milch, the man behind hit series "Deadwood" and NYPD Blues.
The story was last adapted for the big screen some two decades ago, with Gillian Armstrong's effort starring Winona Ryder, Susan Surandon, Clare Danes, Kirsten Dunst.
Marilyn Manson to voice Once Upon a Time character
Shock rocker Marilyn Manson has signed on to lend his voice as a guest star on the US fairy tale drama television series Once Upon a Time.
The goth star will voice a character named Shadow based on the shadow of Peter Pan from author JM Barrie's stories.
Manson's Shadow will be a darker version of the original having a fondness for kidnapping and soul-stealing.
Producers of the show revealed they are fans of Manson's and believe he's perfect for the role as he has a voice capable of making skin crawl.
Manson's episode is set to air sometime next month.
His last album Born Villain came out summer last year.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
Severe smog forces the closure of several roads and schools in China’s north east.
Australian wild fires at risk of merging as weather conditions worsen.
30 dead in Syria following a suicide attack on a Coptic church in Hama.
UK government gives China-involved nuclear plant the go-ahead.
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