The Beijing Hour
Morning Edition
Shane Bigham with you on this Monday, May 26th, 2014.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
The man known as "The Chocolate King" appears to have secured a first-round win in the election held in Ukraine on Sunday...
Right-wing parties appear to be dominating the election to the European parliament...
And police in Belgium are searching for a man who went on a shooting spree at a Jewish museum...
In Business...Xunlei files for a US IPO...
In sports...Japan takes the AFC Women's Asian Cup
In entertainment...reaction from the winners at the Cannes Film Festival...
But first... lets get a check on the weather...
Weather
Beijing will be sunny today with a high of 34 degree Celsius.
Overnight temperatures should drop down to around 20.
Shanghai will be sunny during the daytime with a high of 31.
Overnight, it will be overcast with a low of 23.
In Chongqing, it will be overcast with a high of 24.
Overnight lows are expected to be around 21.
Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia.
Islamabad will be cloudy with a high of 37.
Kabul will see slight rain with a high of 21.
Over to North America.
New York will be cloudy today with a high of 29 degrees.
Washington will be cloudy with a high of 30 degrees.
Honolulu, cloudy, 28.
Toronto, Canada, will be cloudy with a high of 26 degrees.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires will have slight rain with a high of 16.
And Rio de Janeiro will see slight rain with a high of 28 degrees Celsius.
Top News
Exit polls show Poroshenko wins Ukrainian presidential election
Anchor
As Ukraine wrapped up much anticipating presidential elections on Sunday, exit polls show that Ukraine's confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko has won with an absolute majority.
CRI's Jordan Lee has more.
Reporter
Three polls have given Poroshenko between 55 and 57 percent of the vote, well ahead of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko who appears to be in second place with just over 12 percent.
If these results are confirmed later today there will be no need for a runoff vote next month.
Poroshenko says the results show Ukrainians' support for the European path.
"There are two problems that are a matter of principle for the Ukrainian state. The number one issue is that Ukraine will never recognize the illegitimate referendum and will never recognize occupation of Crimea. Today, on May 25, in the first round the people have made their choice. And that choice is European integration. On many other issues we can have discussions with Russia."
The 48-year-old says the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine matters most to him.
The independent politician is a former minister of trade and the head of the council that runs the national bank.
Known as the "Chocolate King", he controls a large confectionery group called Roshen.
About 35 million Ukrainian were eligible to vote on Sunday and 34,000 polling stations were set up across the country, though not in Crimea.
Opposition groups in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk also blocked the vote.
The two regions have declared independence.
It is reported that only about 20 percent of polling stations in the regions were working.
"He is not our president , we didn't vote for him. Those in the west might have voted, but here we didn't. We didn't hold the election here as far as I know."
Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama says the election is an important step forward to unify the country and the U.S. looks forward to working with the new president.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also showed his support for the vote, saying he will respect the choice made by the Ukrainian people.
He stresses the need for dialogue in solving the ongoing crisis in the former Soviet republic.
"We have instruments to search for a dialogue, to carry out a dialogue and search for solutions, to move toward solutions. Yet these instruments should be used not for serving the interests of one side, but should be used for search of a compromise acceptable to all participants of the process with an obligatory concern for mutual interests."
Ukraine has gone through months of political turmoil after former President Viktor Yanukovych was forced out of office in February and fled to Russia.
For CRI, I'm Jordan Lee.
Ukraine elections
With more on the elections, we spoke earlier with Professor Feng Shaolei, Director of the School of Advanced International & Asia Studies from East China Normal University.
1. How useful can this vote be in helping Ukraine restore stability?
2. Apart from national integrity, what are the biggest challenges facing the new administration?
3. Will the new president be backed both by the U.S and Russia?
(Q&A with Feng)
Back Anchor:
That was Professor Feng Shaolei from East China Normal University.
France's far-rightists lead race for European parliament: exit polls
Right-wing parties across much of Europe are leading the way during elections to the European Parliament.
For example, France's ruling socialist party has received a sharp rebuke from voters as the country selects its members for the European Parliament.
President Francois Hollande's party has received only 14 or 15 percent of vote, good for third place among French political parties.
The far-right National Party has topped the balloting, taking upwards of 26 percent of the vote. That's a 20-point increase from the last round of EU voting in 2009.
The party is known for rhetoric that is hostile to the European Union, and for advocating tough immigration rules.
France's conservatives have taken around 20 percent of the vote, good for second place.
Belgium hunts for a lone shooting attack suspect who kills 3
Over five hundred people have gathered outside Belgium's Supreme Court building in Brussels in protest against a deadly shooting spree at the city's Jewish Museum.
Saturday's attack has left at least 3 people dead.
Another victim is said to be in critical condition.
"I am here because I found this event quiet horrible and I think we need to promote peace and democracy in our country. This is not a problem for a specific community, it is a problem for all of us, all Belgian people."
"Obviously the pain is excruciating as one can imagine and I would like to think it is not only the Jew, the rabbi or the Jewish people, that feel this way, not only the Belgium people, but the world over that I am sure feels this way, at least they should."
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
A man who was detained by police shortly after the attack has been released without charge.
Ine Van Wymersch, spokeswoman for the Brussels prosecutor's office, confirms that two victims were of Israeli nationality, one was French and one was Belgian.
"The federal police in charge of the investigation have analysed a large number of images. From those camera images we have learned that the attacker was most likely alone, that he was well-prepared and that he was armed. We are still actively hunting for the perpetrator and that is why we appeal to the public to collaborate to arrest this individual."
The bloodshed came on the eve of national and European Parliament elections.
Belgian officials have raised anti-terror measures and increased the protection for Jewish sites across the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement strongly condemning the killings.
Belgium has a Jewish population of some 42-thousand, about half of whom live in Brussels.
Thai coup leader to receive royal command
Thai military leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha is expected to receive a royal command appointing him the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order later today.
He will deliver a speech on television, talking about issues including an interim constitution and the setting up of the national legislative council.
The ruling junta has warned people not to join street protests, saying normal democratic principles cannot be applied at the time.
The General also defended the detention of dozens of politicians and activists, most of them associated with the government ousted in Thursday's military takeover.
However hundreds of protesters angrily confronted soldiers in central Bangkok on Sunday, defying the army's ban on gatherings.
U.S. president pays surprise visit to Afghanistan
On a surprise visit to Afghanistan, US President Barack Obama has pledged to bring America's longest war to a "responsible end" by the end of the year.
He promised a decision soon on keeping a small contingent of troops to help protect gains made over nearly 13 years of combat.
"For many of you this will be your last tour in Afghanistan (cheers). And by the end of this year the transition will be complete and Afghans will take full responsibility for their security and our combat mission will be over. America's war in Afghanistan will come to a responsible end."
There are some 32 thousand American forces now in Afghanistan.
Obama is visiting American soldiers to mark Memorial Day weekend.
His visit also comes at a time of transition for a country long mired in conflict.
Elections are underway to replace President Hamid Karzai.
Obama is reportedly not planning to meet Hamid Karzai or the two leading presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
Both of them are on record saying that they would sign the controversial Bilateral Security Agreement with the US if they win the election.
Chinese police to start a year-long nationwide anti-terror operation
Anchor
Chinese police are set to start a year-long nationwide anti-terror operation.
The campaign will be led by police in Xinjiang, where a violent terror attack in the regional capital last week has so far left 39 dead.
CRI's Ding Lulu has more.
reporter
Days after the violence, 41-years old Omerjan says he is still haunted by nightmares.
He was shopping at the market where the terrorist drove two cars into a crowd of people, tossing explosives at shoppers as they plowed through the mass of people before blowing up their vehicles.
He suffered a fractured ankle and burns to one of his legs.
"At night, when I close my eyes, the scenario often turns up in my mind. I could not sleep well all night."
Thursday's attack was the deadliest in recent years in Xinjiang, where terrorists and religious extremist groups have launched several attacks targeting innocent people in the region.
The regional police department said on Sunday that 23 terror and religious extremism groups have been busted and over 200 suspects arrested within the past month.
Also, more than 200 explosive devices were seized.
According to a police statement, the suspects watched terror videos online and learned how to make explosives.
According to the police, most of the online materials were produced by the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, listed by the United Nations Security Council as a terrorist group.
The group has claimed responsibilities to several terror attacks targeting innocent citizens in and out of Xinjiang in recent years.
Abudurekefu Mawla, the principal of Xinjiang Islamic Institute, says the extremists can not represent Islam at all.
"This behavior is against humanity, against society, and against civilization. Islam has clearly forbidden Muslims from hurting others. Hurting an innocent man equals to hurting the entire human community. This is how severe the sin is. And saving an innocent man equals to saving the entire human community."
Apart from their condemnation of the attack, many locals say they believe a stronger ethnic solidarity will help uproot terrorism.
"I taught my children since they were very young that Xinjiang is an area where people of many ethnic groups live together. They should play with and get along well with classmates of the Han nationality."
The anti-terror campaign will last until June 2015.
Police nationwide will pool their information for early identification of terrorist groups and their members.
They will step up armed patrols and security control at crowded public places and tighten up management of explosives and weapons.
For CRI, this is Ding Lulu.
Ships returned after China-Russia naval drill
Warships participating in the China-Russia joint naval drill have returned to port in Shanghai after completing a combat drill in the East China Sea.
China and Russia sent 14 warships, 15 aircrafts and 2 submarines to join the three-day drill.
Tian Zhong is the deputy commander of the Chinese Navy.
"The results of the drill is fruitful. We have made several accomplishments in terms of joint planning and organization and joint operations."
Tian stresses that the two countries' cooperation does not target any third country.
Alexander Fedotenkov, Russian director of the drill says the Russian and Chinese fleets should take peacekeeping responsibilities not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also across a broader area.
He says Russia is willing to include its Black Sea Fleet and Baltic Fleet in future operations with the Chinese navy.
China's Zhengzhou missile destroyer and Russia's Varyag missile cruiser will be open to citizens in Shanghai for visit today.
Japan's "dangerous" interference with drills violates int'l law
China's Ministry of National Defense says Japanese military planes have intruded on the airspace of China-Russia naval exercises and carried out dangerous actions, seriously violating international laws.
It says two Japanese airplanes intruded into the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone on Saturday morning to scout and interfere with the China-Russia naval drills.
Chinese warplanes took off instantly to take necessary identification and preventive measures to ensure the safety of the warships and aircraft in the drills.
The ministry says Japan's actions could have easily caused a misunderstanding and even led to a mid-air incident.
China has demanded Japan to respect the legitimate rights of Chinese and Russian navies, restrain the personnel concerned and stop all reconnaissance and interference activities. "Otherwise, Japan shall be responsible for all the consequences.
Biz Reports
Anchor
First off, let's take a look at what's going to happend in the business world this week. Joining me on the desk, CRI's Ding Lulu.
Reporter:
Investors this week are watching the results of Ukraine and European Parliamentary elections.
A slew of economic reports including data on housing, consumer confidence, and manufacturing will also capture the attention of investors in coming days.
The rise of anti-EU parties in northern Europe could make it harder for the European Union to deal quickly with any future resurgence of the euro zone crisis.
Euro zone money supply data on Wednesday and Italian and Spanish inflation numbers on Friday may reinforce the case for more easing if they come in weak.
In contrast to the European Central Bank, both the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve are considering their way out of their stimulus programmes as their economies recover.
Britain has said it will use mortgage lending controls to cool the housing sector before resorting to interest-rates hikes.
But the U.S. housing market may yet require more help from the Fed.
The British Bankers Association's mortgage lending data is due on Tuesday followed by statistics on the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee programme on Thursday.
In the United States, the house price index is due on Tuesday and pending home sales on Thursday.
A second estimate of U.S. GDP on Thursday is expected to show the economy contracted 0.4 percent in the first quarter from a previous reading of 0.1 percent growth, according to a Reuters poll.
Japan also releases a slew of data this week, including retail sales, inflation, unemployment, and industrial output.
And China will announce its PMI for May on Sunday.
live call-in with Mike Bastin on Xunlei files for IPO on the NASDAQ
Anchor:
Xunlei has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to 100 million US dollars in an initial public offering.
The company plans to list under the symbol XNET, though it has not disclosed an exchange.
Xunlei offers digital content acceleration and online video services in China.
The company originally set terms to raise 114 million dollars on the NASDAQ in July 2011 with a billion-dollar market cap, but postponed and eventually withdrew its IPO that October.
For more on this, we're joined on the line by Mike Bastin, visiting professor of China's University of Economics and Business.
1. What has changed in the three years since Xunlei filed and then cancelled that first IPO?
2. Xunlei teamed up with Xiaomi Ventures for this latest IPO. What does Xiaomi bring to Xunlei?
3. How profitable is Xunlei and what is its financial status?
4. Xunlei's announcement came after JD.com made a successful debut on the US stock market. What's the outlook for Xunlei?
Back Anchor:
Mike Bastin, Visiting Professor of China's University of Economics and Business.
Fitch hails China's local gov't bond decision
Credit-rating agency Fitch has hailed the decision by Chinese authorities to allow local governments to issue bonds directly on their own credit profiles, calling it a "significant step forward."
The move will help reform local and regional governments' budget management and ensure greater fiscal transparency.
Four Chinese local governments had been given autonomy to issue bonds directly as part of a pilot program but Fitch says this latest move is different from the scheme launched in 2009.
The new move makes local governments themselves shoulder debt servicing responsibilities, while under the old scheme the issuance of bonds was under the control of the Ministry Of Finance.
China voices reservations on WTO auto case ruling
Officials with China's Ministry of Commerce have expressed reservations about a World Trade Organization ruling on an automobile trade dispute between China and the United States.
A statement was made after the WTO panel ruled that part of China's anti-dumping and countervailing measures on certain automobiles from the United States were inconsistent with WTO rules.
A WTO panel found no basis for duties that China imposed between 2011 and 2013.
China began tariffs on saloon cars and off-road vehicles with an engine capacity of 2.5 litres or more in 2011.
The Chinese side says U.S. car makers have received government subsidies and have dumped vehicles into the Chinese market.
China had since levied anti-dumping tariffs and countervailing duties, both of which expired at the end of 2013.
China is the second largest foreign market for US automakers after Canada.
IMF's Lagarde calls for closer cooperation among central banks
The International Monetary Fund has called for closer cooperation among the world's central banks to cope with the challenges of increasingly interlinked and complex financial systems.
Christine Lagarde, managing director of the IMF, says the potential gains from cooperation could be huge in times of distress as seen during the financial crisis.
Lagarde made the call at the first annual ECB Forum conference.
She also said advanced economies could help reduce volatility by communicating clearly the course of their monetary policy.
Sony to Bring PlayStation 4 to China
Sony has announced that its PlayStation 4 gaming console is set to officially enter the Chinese market.
Sony's move comes a month after Microsoft announced the availability of its Xbox One console on the Chinese mainland.
Just like Microsoft's collaboration with China's BesTV, Sony will be working with a local company called to bring the PlayStation 4 to Chinese gamers.
It will be partnering with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Culture Development. Just like BesTV, it is a part of the Shanghai Media Group.
The gaming console makers moves follow a decision by Chinese officials earlier this year to temporarily lift the country's ban on foreign gaming consoles.
China originally banned video game consoles in 2000, in a move designed to protect Chinese children from "wasting their minds."
Headline News
Exit polls show Poroshenko wins Ukrainian presidential election
Exit polls show that confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko has won with an absolute majority in the Ukrainian presidential election.
Three polls have given Poroshenko between 55 and 57 percent of the vote, well ahead of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko who appears to be in second place with just over 12 percent.
If these results are confirmed later today there will be no need for a runoff vote next month.
About 35 million Ukrainian were eligible to vote on Sunday and 34,000 polling stations were set up across the country, though not in Crimea.
Opposition groups in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk also blocked the vote.
France's far-rightists lead race for European parliament: exit polls/xinhua
France's ruling socialist party has received a sharp rebuke from voters as the country selects its members for the European Parliament.
President Francois Hollande's party has received only 14 or 15 percent of vote, good for third place among French political parties.
The far-right National Party has topped the balloting, taking upwards of 26 percent of the vote. That's a 20-point increase from the last round of EU voting in 2009.
The party is known for rhetoric that is hostile to the European Union, and for advocating tough immigration rules.
France's conservatives have taken around 20 percent of the vote, good for second place.
Thai coup leader to receive royal command
Thai military leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha is expected to receive a royal command appointing him the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order later today.
He will deliver a speech on television, talking about issues including an interim constitution and the setting up of the national legislative council.
The ruling junta has warned people not to join street protests, saying normal democratic principles cannot be applied at the time.
However hundreds of protesters angrily confronted soldiers in central Bangkok on Sunday, defying the army's ban on gatherings.
U.S. president pays surprise visit to Afghanistan
US President Barack Obama has pledged to bring America's longest war to a "responsible end" by the end of the year.
He made the promise during a surprise visit to Afghanistan.
Obama is visiting American soldiers to mark memorial day weekend.
His visit also comes at a time of transition for a country long mired in conflict.
Obama is reportedly not planning to meet Hamid Karzai or the two leading presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
Chinese police to start a year-long nationwide anti-terror operation
Chinese police are set to start a year-long nationwide anti-terror operation.
The campaign will be led by police in Xinjiang, where a violent terror attack in the regional capital last week has so far left 39 dead.
The regional police department said on Sunday that 23 terror and religious extremism groups have been busted and over 200 suspects arrested within the past month.
Also, more than 200 explosive devices were seized.
The anti-terror campaign will last until June 2015.
Newspaper Picks
BEIJING YOUTH DAILY
Headline
Attack on teenager investigated.
Summery
The teen was severely beaten by a group of older men. A video of the attack posted online went viral on Sunday.
The Ministry of Public Security has launched an investigation and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
The police have not confirmed any details except to say that an investigation has, in fact, been launched.
----
CHINA DAILY
Headline
Ten dead, 32 injured in Xinjiang highway accident
Summery
Local authorities say the accident happened when a large truck tried to pass the lorry on a highway in Wujiaqu city
Police and work safety authorities are still investigating the accident.
----------------------
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Rainstorms leave 22 dead, 7 missing
Summery
Provincial authorities say rainstorms, the ferocity of which is usually seen only once every 100 years, lashed Guangdong Province and caused floods, collapsed houses, and caused mud flows.
16 national and provincial highways were closed due to the downpours.
-----------------------------
THE BEIJING NEWS
Headline
Fighter Jets tested on highway strip
Summery
On Sunday, China's air force for the first time used a highway in Henan as a takeoff and landing strip.
The exercise took place on the Zhengzhou-Minquan highway
Military officials say the highway can serve as an alternate airport for civilian and cargo planes as well, and could serve as an emergency airport during wartime.
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BEIJING MORNING POST
Headline
World Seed Congress opens on Monday
Summery
The 2014 World Seed Congress opens today in Beijing.
According to authorities, China is likely to become the world's biggest seed market, with a volume of 14.2 billion U.S. dollars, in 2015.
---------------
GLOBAL TIMES
Tsai Ing-wen was elected as the chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party on Sunday.
According to the DPP plan, Tsai will replace the incumbent chairman Su Tseng-chang after the DPP confirm the election result on May 28.
Special Reports
"Is It True? The Fox" Hits Stages on Children's Day
Anchor
"Is it True? The Fox" is a children's stage play that will debut during the upcoming Children's Day, June 1st at the China Puppet Art Theater.
Director Shi Xuehai told CRI that interaction with young audience members is an important part of the play, as this is more likely to arouse interest in the young audience.
CRI's Xiao Yi has more.
Reporter
The drama, "Is It True? The Fox", tells the story of a young, wounded bear that has been discovered by several foxes who intend to send the bear to a baboon doctor that lives high up on the Tianmu Mountain.
However, a pair of hungry hyenas that want to eat the little bear try to block the fox's attempts to rescue the little creature. As the bear is saved, a knot of friendship is also tied between those foxes that were once hostile towards one another.
It is the theme of friendship in particular, alongside mutual help, that the director Shi Xuehai hopes to convey to young audiences.
"This drama advocates the importance of friendship, praising good deeds, helping others and righteousness. The spirit of the play is essentially the heritage of good Chinese traditional values."
In the stage play, there is a little girl who plays games with the foxes. According to Shi, the character not only plays on the stage but also downstage with young audience members.
"The only human character, a girl, plays an important part in the drama since she has six major conversations with children audience members. The whole plot is connected by this character."
At critical moments throughout the play, the girl helps the foxes conquer their adversaries and leads them to traverse through forests, rivers and canyons before they finally succeed in sending the bear to a baboon doctor.
The young girl character also invites audience members to join her in carrying out interesting experiments as part of their rescue efforts. Director Shi believes that only when audience members join in with the drama will they truly commit the drama to their memory. Shi firmly believes that frequent interaction with audience members is the key to a stage play's success.
"The drama that leaves a big room for imagination will most interest children, like the animal world and science fiction. On the other hand, inviting young audience members to be part of the drama also helps to arouse interest. As soon as the young girl appears on the stage, the young audience members are invited to express their opinions and their ideas. Children are very fond of this style of communication."
The drama, which is jointly produced by the China Puppet Art Theatre and Enlight Media, will hit the stage from May 31 to June 15.
For CRI, I'm XYee.
Sports
Japan beat Australia 1-0 to win maiden AFC Women's Asian Cup
Japan has won its first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup title, beating defending champions Australia 1-0.
Australia started well and created the first chance in the opening minute but Japan took the lead just before the half-hour mark following a corner kick.
Japan has been the runner-up at this tournament four times.
Also on Sunday, China beat South Korea 2-1 to secure third place in the Asian Cup.
It is the best finish for the team since 2008, when the squad was the runner-up.
The match was pretty intense since each team was determined to earn to a higher ranking.
But China benefited from an own-goal by South Korea in the third minute of the game.
South Korea tied the contest in the 80th minute, but China's Yang Li scored in extra time to clinch the victory, 2-1.
The AFC Women's Cup 2014 is contested by eight teams. China's finish has earned it a place at the women's World Cup in Canada in 2015, along with Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
Rory McIlroy claims PGA Championship title
Over in golf.
Former world number one Rory McIlroy has scored a fairytale victory in the PGA Championship at Wentworth.
The Briton fired a six-under-par 66 in the final round to claim the trophy.
He finished the game with a 14-under total of 274 at the European Tour's flagship event.
The victory was McIlroy's sixth on the European Tour and his first on the mainland.
He had previously triumphed twice in Dubai, twice in the United States and once in Hong Kong.
The victory wasn't easy considering his public break-up with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki just before the competition.
Ireland's Shane Lowry carded a 68 to take second place on 275.
Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson finished tied for seventh but will become golf's world number one if incumbent Adam Scott finishes lower than seventh at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas.
"I saw Adam fired up a good score yesterday and I am sure he isn't going to give it away for free, that is for sure. It is a very bunched-up field in the U.S. so we will see - he might as well end up winning that tournament so we just have to wait and see."
Stenson is currently ranked world number three, behind Australian Scott and world number-two Tiger Woods.
Nico Rosberg defends title at Monaco Grand Prix
Germany's Nico Rosberg has won the showcase Monaco Grand Prix for the second year in a row.
The victory helped him snatch back the Formula One world championship lead from the Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton.
"It's been a very very special day for sure. Lewis drove really well and pushed me hard. So the pressure was on all the way. But I kept it cool and was able to win, in the end pulling a bit of a gap because I had fresher tyres. So fantastic and I am happy for the whole team, it's an amazing car they have built and given us this year."
Rosberg led from the start to nail the sixth win in a row for Mercedes, and its fifth successive one-two finish.
After coping with two safety car interludes, Rosberg took the chequered flag 9.2 seconds ahead of Hamilton.
Hamilton stuck to the back of Rosberg's car through most of the race but began dropping back 13 laps from the end.
He complained that he had something in his eyes and couldn't see properly.
Australian Daniel Ricciardo took third after catching up with Hamilton in the closing laps.
"First it is really nice to be up here, third place in Monaco. The start was not great I dropped back to fifth actually, a bit of frustration but then we saw that Vettel had a problem so we were able to get fourth and then Raikkonen had a puncture under one of the safety cars - we sort of inherited third after a poor start."
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel retired after eight laps with a power unit problem.
Vettel was in his 100th race for Red Bull.
Japan defeat Malaysia to win 2014 BWF Thomas Cup
In badminton.
Japan has made badminton history by defeating Malaysia 3-2 to lift the Thomas Cup for the first time.
Five-time winners Malaysia lost the opportunity to reclaim the honour for the first time in 22 years.
Meantime, Japan was making its first ever appearance in the final.
World number one Lee Chong Wei gave Malaysia the best possible start but Japan kept fighting and immediately drew level in the first doubles match.
After an hour and 15 minutes on court, a magnificent final rally edged the Japanese men to a 21-19 victory in the decider.
And Japan continued its strong momentum till the end.
The victory is magnificent for Japan, which has become only the fourth nation to lift the Thomas Cup since its inception in 1949.
Entertainment
Cannes Film Festival winners reactions
A look at the winners from this weekend's Cannes Film Festival.
The prestigious Palme d'Or awarded to the best film went to the Turkish film Winter Sleeps.
The over three hour film by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, explores the huge gap between those with and without power in Turkey.
Ceylan said he hoped his win will help other art films given the recent grip of blockbusters:
"Of course this prize will help the film show itself much better you know there will be more audience to reach definitely and I hope this prize helps the difficult art films to survive."
Elsewhere the American director Bennett Miller won the best director award for "Foxcatcher".
Julianne Moore was named best actress in David Cronenberg's "Maps to the Stars.
AND the British actor Timothy Spall won best actor for Mike Leigh's film "Mr Turner", about the artist J.M.W Turner in which Spall growls, spits and grunts his way through an awe inspiring performance..
But even after collecting the best actor award at Cannes Spall showed he still wasn't taking himself overly seriously:
"I know somebody said that we're going to have t-shirts made in Cannes with (makes grunt noise) on it, so there you go, but that grunt was all about an emplosion of the spirit that created the magnificent art that we see today."
Lastly the best screenplay award at the festival went to "Leviathan" by Russia's Andrei Zvyagintsev.
X-Men tops US Box office
(XMen)
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" has made a strong start during its opening weekend.
At the US box office it took an estimated 90.7 million dollars
That marked the film the top opening ever for any 20th Century Fox film, including "Avatar."
It was still only the fourth largest debut of 2013 however behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier," last week's Godzilla and also "The Amazing Spiderman 2".
Coldplay take top of UK Album chart with 'Ghost Stories'
(Coldplay)
Coldplay's latest album "Ghost Stories" has gone straight to the top of the British charts becoming the fastest selling of the year.
The British group's sixth studio album, and also their sixth successive number one, has sold more than 168,000 copies since going on sale last Monday.
With this release the band knock "Xscape" – Michael Jacksons album of previously unreleased songs – down into second.
Band shocked after EXO band member quits
(EXO)
Members of the South Korean boyband EXO say they've been left confused after a Chinese member of the group, filed a lawsuit against their management company without any warning.
It's reported that band member – Kris took action against S.M. Entertainment, demanding that his contract be annulled.
Kris claims the company has not respected his opinions and health in deciding schedules for the group's performances in South Korea and China.
Suho is another member of the band
"Above all, we were so confused. All of our members have gone through a hard time both physically and mentally just a week before the concert. Though, we are even more united than ever during this tough time and we are quite satisfied that the concerts so far have gone well."
EXO, debuted in 2012, is composed of 12 members, four of whom are Chinese and the rest, Korean.
That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
The man known as "The Chocolate King" appears to have secured a first-round win in the election held in Ukraine on Sunday...
Right-wing parties appear to be dominating the election to the European parliament...
And police in Belgium are searching for a man who went on a shooting spree at a Jewish museum...
In Business...Xunlei files for a US IPO...
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.
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