The Beijing Hour
Morning Edition
It's Paul James with you on this Monday, July 21, 2014.
Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Venezuela following a stop-over in Argentina.
The death toll from Typhoon Rammusen in southern China has hit 17.
International investigators are said to be gaining certain access to the site where a Malaysia Airlines flight was reportedly shot down in eastern Ukraine this past week.
In Business.... a meat supplier in Shanghai is being probed for selling expired products to fast-food chains.
In Sports... Guangzhou Evergrade now at the top of the Super League table.
In Entertainment... Alibaba appoints a film industry official to be its new head of movies.
First, let's check in with what's happening with the weather....
Weather
Beijing will see thundershowers today with a high of 32 degree Celsius.
Overnight temperatures should drop down to around 24.
Shanghai will be sunny during the daytime with a high of 35.
Overnight, it will be cloudy with a low of 27.
In Chongqing, it will be sunny with a high of 36.
Overnight lows are expected to be around 28.
Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia.
Islamabad will be cloudy with a high of 37.
Kabul will be sunny with a high of 32.
Over to North America.
New York will be cloudy today with a high of 29 degrees.
Washington will be cloudy with a high of 31 degrees.
Honolulu, cloudy, 27.
Toronto, Canada, will be cloudy with a high of 29 degrees.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires will be overcast with a high of 17.
And Rio de Janeiro will be sunny with a high of 22 degrees Celsius.
Top News
Chinese president arrives in Venezuela for state visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping is now in Venezuela for the third leg of his four-nation Latin America tour.
The trip to Venezulea comes on the 40th anniversary of the two countries forging diplomatic ties.
As part of his time there, Xi Jinping is expected to oversee the signing of a number of business deals in areas including high-tech, finance, agriculture and infrastructure construction.
He's also due to meet with Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
Bilateral trade between China and Venezuela is approaching 20-billion US dollars a year.
Following his time in Venezuela, Xi Jinping is due to make a stop in Cuba before returning here to China.
Argentina and China to expect deeper cooperation
Anchor
Ahead of Xi Jinping's trip to Venezuela, the Chinese President made a stop in Argentina.
Economic cooperation has riden high on the agenda in Argentina, which is currently facing the possibility of a credit default.
CRI's Yu Yang has more.
Reporter
President Xi Jinping expressed his hope for enhanced bilateral ties between China and Argentina during a meeting with top leaders of the Argentine National Congress, Amado Boudou and Julian Dominguez.
He spoke highly of the exchanges between China's National People's Congress or NPC and the Argentine National Congress, which he said have helped enrich the content of bilateral relations.
For their part, the two leaders of the Argentine National Congress have lauded Xi's visit as a strong boost to mutual trust and cooperation, and its profound impact in promoting bilateral relations.
Boudou and Dominguez have also pledged the support of the congress and all political parties in their country to the further development of bilateral ties with China.
President Xi Jinping told the Argentine legislative leaders that he has had fruitful talks with his Argentine counterpart Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, when they decided to upgrade the two countries' relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
According to Gustavo Grobocopatel, CEO of Argentina's agriculture firm Grupo Los Grobo, China and Argentina have made great progress in bilateral relations during recent years with more cooperation expected.
"This is the first step and I think it's very good. But I think there should be some faster progress such as setting up some China-Argentina joint ventures which enable Chinese enterprises to enter Argentina and vice versa. This is to say the two countries should work for smooth and closer communications by all means."
President Xi Jinping has also visited an Argentine farm, voicing hopes to enhance agricultural cooperation between the two countries that both boast deep agricultural roots.
He says the two countries enjoy a huge potential for cooperation in this regard and hopes that more and more Chinese consumers will be able to enjoy products from Argentina.
Apart from economic cooperation, the two countries are expected to make concerted efforts to boost cultural exchanges.
Jorge Malena is a professor of contemporary Chinese studies at the University of Salvador.
"Beijing and Argentina will see the establishment of culture centers which serve as a bridge to help the two countries enhance mutual understanding and exchanges. As strategic partners, we should further promote understanding for smooth cooperation."
Argentina is the second leg of President Xi Jinping's four-nation Latin America tour, which has already taken him to Brazil.
For CRI, I'm Yu Yang.
Death toll rises to 17, economy losses surges from super typhoon Rammasun
The death toll from typhoon Rammasun here in China has increased to 17.
One more person has been confirmed dead in Hainan, while two others are still listed as missing.
Direct economic losses from the massive storm have surged to nearly 23 billion yuan.
Liang Guangming works in the local aquiculture sector in Guangdong. His losses are estimated at about 200,000 yuan.
"The houses and rafts have all been destroyed, the waves were big and the wind was so heavy, it was like a tornado, all things were destroyed."
Rammasun is being considered the strongest typhoon to hit southern China in four decades.
The storm, which made landfall in southern China on Friday, brought heavy gales and downpours to the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi.
The storm, which made landfall with winds of around 150-kilometers per hour, levelled over 50-thousand homes in Hainan.
Rammasun has now weakened to a tropical depression.
However, it's still bringing heavy rains into parts of southern China.
Senior political advisor of Tianjin under probe
Wu Changshun, a senior political advisor of Tianjin, is under investigation for suspected serious discipline and law violations.
He is vice chairman of Tianjin's political advisory body and also the city's police chief.
International monitors visit plane crash site in eastern Ukraine
Anchor
International monitors are suggesting they're gaining better access to the crash site of a Malaysia Airlines plane reportedly shot down last week in eastern Ukraine.
However, there is still no sign of the fully-fledged independent investigation being demanded by the international community.
CRI's Qi Zhi has more.
Reporter
Monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have visited the site of the downed Malaysia Airlines Flight after inspecting the bodies of the victims at a nearby train station.
The rebels in control of the region say the bodies will remain in four refrigerated train cars in a nearby town, until the arrival of an international aviation disaster team.
Close to 200 bodies are currently being housed on the train.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says efforts are being made to move the train into Ukrainian government controlled territory so that the bodies can be identified as soon as possible.
"It is agreed that the Netherlands will lead the international coordination of the identification of the victims. Dutchman Gert Wibbelink will lead the team. Tonight a military plane will leave form Eindhoven airport heading to Kharkiv. On board are people and means to set up a coordination centre in Kharkiv."
The US State Department says there have been multiple reports of bodies and aircraft parts being removed, and potential evidence tampered with, by the rebels.
Aviation experts say securing the site and preserving the evidence is crucial for investigators.
Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
"The Ukrainian government has informed the joint international investigation team that the crash site is under full control of the separatist's group. Thus the Ukrainian government has stated that it has been unable to establish the safe corridor to the crash site for the international team. The Ukrainian government has said it cannot guarantee the safety of the international team in and around the crash site."
The rebels say they will hand the plane's flight data recorders over to the International Civil Aviation Organization, which has been tasked with leading the investigation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have produced, what Kiev claims, is a recording of another intercepted call between rebels, saying Moscow has given them orders not to hand over the plane's black boxes to international monitors.
The authenticity of the tape can not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry has been making the U.S. case against Moscow in the most emphatic and explicit terms yet, saying there's overwhelming evidence that Russia transferred a missile system to the rebels which was allegedly used to down the jet.
Kerry is threatening further sanctions against Moscow, and is calling on his European allies to take the plane downing as a "wake-up call" to get tougher with Russia.
For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.
Israel and Gaza suffers the deadliest day
The death toll continues to mount on both sides as the Israeli offensive into Gaza gets close to entering its 2nd week.
13 Israeli soldiers have been killed since Saturday night, the biggest loss for the Israeli military in years.
This brings the total number of Israelis killed to 18.
But at the same time, at least 65 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the weekend offensive, putting the Palestinian death toll in Gaza at over 420.
Despite the rapidly rising death toll, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his administration remains steadfast.
"Israel did not choose to enter this campaign, but from the moment it was forced on us we will implement it until we achieve its result - restoring quiet for the Israeli people for an extended period while significantly damaging Hamas infrastructures and the rest of the terror organisations in Gaza. We are undeterred. We shall continue the operation as long as is required."
Meanwhile, Israeli military sources are dismissing claims by Hamas that its holding a kidnapped Israeli Defense Forces solider.
IDF officials say the soldier reportedly being held by Hamas has already been listed among the 13 soliders killed in action this weekend.
Hamas announced this weekend that it kidnapped an Israeli soldier and is holding him captive in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN is warning that it's running out of supplies to help the more than 50-thousand Palestinians who have sought shelter at its schools in Gaza.
The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting connected to the situation in Gaza in the next few hours.
At the same time, Qatar is set to host a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and UN chief Ban Ki-moon.
Abbas is also due to meet with exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal.
Indonesian presidential candidate Subianto refuses to accept result
Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto says he's not going to accept the official election results until allegations of vote rigging are investigated.
Subianto is demanding the National Election Commission hold a new vote.
"We demand that which is already provided for by law, if there are indications of irregularities during the election, and the election watchdog has checked and recommended a new election, the National Election Commission should proceed with the new election, and if it is not executed I assume this is criminal. So I question the legitimacy of this whole process and we can assume this process is invalid."
Subianto had previously agreed to abide by the official results.
However, he's since changed his mind, accusing the Election Commission of failing to properly investigate alleged vote rigging.
Initial polling has suggested former Jakarta goveror Joko Widodo has captured a narrow victory over the former army general.
Official results of the vote are due to be released tomorrow.
Rival militias battle for control of the capital's international airport
Rival Libyan militias are continuing a battle for control of the capital's international airport.
The latest clashes on Sunday have left at least 3 more dead.
The week-long struggle for the airport is being waged by a powerful militia from the western city of Zintan and an Islamist-led militia from the eastern city of Misrata.
The renewed fighting follows a failure in mediation efforts by the central authorities.
The main airport in Tripoli has been closed since last Monday.
The Libyan capital is witnessing one of its worst spasms of violence since the ousting of former leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel said to be doing OK after rescue
Doctors in Yunnan say the 14 workers who were pulled alive from a collapsed tunnel in the southeastern part of the province are "in pretty good condition."
The workers, who became trapped following a cave-in on Monday, were pulled to safety yesterday after spending 131-hours trapped behind some 20-meters of rock.
"We were so happy that we all cheered up when heard the drilling had cut through to us."
Medical officials say the workers are mainly suffering from low potassium levels brought on by a lack of vegetables and an unbalanced diet.
Doctors say the men should be fine in a few days.
The crew was working inside a 13.5-kilometer long tunnel when part of the roof caved in a week ago.
One of the 15 trapped still remains missing.
Fatal Highway Explosion Reveals Management Flaws
A highway explosion in Hunan over the weekend has exposed flaws in this country's highway management.
A van loaded with alcohol rear-ended a passenger coach during the middle of the night, leaving 43 people dead.
Authorities are blaming the fatal accident on poor management and monitoring.
Wang Dexue is the deputy chief of the State Administration of Work Safety.
"The problems behind this accident are obvious. First, the transportation companies involved seriously violated the regulations. The van was illegally remodeled and camouflaged; the passenger coach drove on the highway between 2am and 5am when it's not supposed to. Second, the government failed to closely monitor and manage highway transportation."
Xu Shaohua is with the company that owns the passenger coach.
He admits the accident is ultimately their responsibility.
"According to government regulations, passenger coaches are not allowed on highways between 2 and 5am. Judging from the time of the explosion, it is our fault. But we haven't yet determined how great a role our bus played in the accident."
The crash and subsequent fire engulfed a total of five vehicles before being put out 5-hours later.
China's lunar probe program chief designer expects more cooperation between mainland and Hong Kong
The chief designer of China's lunar probe is calling for more cooperation between authorities on the mainland and Hong Kong when it comes to lunar exploration.
Wu Weiren has made the suggestion while speaking in Hong Kong.
As part of his speech to officials in the city, Wu Weiren also says plans are now being drafted for a 2017 launch of lunar probe Chang'e-5, which is expected to bring back moon rock samples to Earth.
"Sample collection ability of Chang'e-5 is being developed, and I hope for more support from Hong Kong in this mission."
Yung Kai-leung is a professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
"Our school will participate in the development of Chang'e-5's ability to bring samples back to earth, and we are honored to be part of this national program,"
China's Jade Rabbit rover is still said to be collecting data, despite running into difficulties earlier this year.
Biz Reports
Anchor
First let's get a preview of what we can expect on the markets this week.
Here's Su Yi.
Reporter
This week will see the impact on the markets of what has been happening in Ukraine and Gaza over the past few days.
Volatility spiked on Thursday following the tragedy in Ukraine and the mounting death toll in Gaza, giving the S&P 500 its first decline of more than 1 percent in three months.
However, the rebound the following day is suggesting the market's attention to what's happening in Ukraine and Gaza will be limited, with investors keeping their focus on earnings.
The next two weeks will see 60 percent of companies on the S&P 500 release their quarterly results.
Among the companies set to release their latest figures this week include Apple, McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Caterpillar.
These results will be critical for investors in the US looking for confirmation that the economic rebound from the first quarter is more than just weather related.
The U.S. economy contracted nearly 3-percent in the first quarter, its worst performance in five years.
Coming up on Tuesday, the US will release its CPI for June, as well as the initial reading for the July PMI on Thursday.
South Korea is due to release its 2nd quarter GDP figures on Thursday.
The UK's GDP for the quaerter is due out on Friday.
Also on Friday, Japan will be releasing its CPI for June.
Here in China, its going to be a relatively quiet week compared with last week's rush of first-half economic figures.
The only macro-economic figures to be released this week will be HSBC's initial PMI reading for July.
That's due out on Thursday.
Shanghai meat supplier for McDonald, KFC suspended for safety concerns
The Shanghai municipal government has suspended the operations of a food company suspected of supplying stale meat to McDonald and KFC outlets.
The Shanghai Food and Drug Administration has ordered all meat products supplied by Shanghai Husi Foods to be taken off the shelf for safety concerns.
Local media reports are alleging the company has reprocessed and supplied expired meat products to a number of fast-food chains, including McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Shanghai Husi is a member of US-based OSI Group.
A company official says they are cooperating in the investigation.
Is China's housing market facing "historical turning point"?
A Chinese think-tank affiliated to the Chinese cabinet is suggesting this country's real-estate market is facing a long adjustment period.
Liu Shijin, deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, says he believes the housing market is facing a "historical turning point."
New analysis is suggesting investments into the housing sector aren't likely to see annual growth of anymore than 5 percent in the coming years.
The latest government figures show home prices here in China have continued on a downward trend through this past month.
New home prices in 55 of the 70 major cities monitored have shown a month-on-month drops through June, compared with 35 in May.
However, on a year-on-year basis, new home prices in most cities are still higher.
In response to the market slowdown, around 20 regions have either lifted or eased their restrictions on home purchases.
For more on China's housing market, we are joined on the line by Mike Bastin, Visiting Professor at China's University of International Business and Economics.
Talking points
- Do you agree that China's housing market is facing a long-term downward trend?
- What impact do you expect this adjustment period will have on the overall economy?
- Do you expect any major move by the central government to adjust its policies?
- For those people who own several apartments, do you suggest they may consider to sell now?
Mike Bastin, Visiting Professor at China's University of International Business and Economics.
China's Sany ready to act on U.S. gov't move
Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer Sany Group says it may take further action against the U.S. government over a controversial wind farm purchase.
A U.S. federal appeals court this past week ruled the U.S. government violated the rights of Ralls Corp., which is owned by two executives of the Sany Group, when it rejected the company's bid to purchase four wind farms in Oregon.
U.S. President Barack Obama issued a presidential order in 2012 to prevent Ralls from buying the wind farms, citing national security risks.
Board member Xiang Wenbo says the company will continue their pursuit of the wind farm purchase if Obama and the US Committee on Foreign Investment continue to challenge the sale.
Tesla's Flagship Cars Found with Software Security Flaws
New reports are suggesting there are computer system flaws in Tesla's new energy Model S electric car which could lead to potential attacks.
The flaws, reported by a Chinese Internet security firm, can reportedly give attackers remote access to control over certian parts of the vehicle while its in motion.
Lin Wei is an Internet security expert with Qihoo 360.
"We have informed Tesla of the software security flaws, including remote access control over car doors, windows, lights, horn and indoor temperatures, as well as identifying the location of the car."
However, Lin Wei notes it won't be easy for hackers to carry out the attacks, as the flaw can only be manipulated by using advanced hacking techniques under unique circumstances.
Security researchers have previously developed a way to remotely unlock and track the car's location via Tesla's remote app.
Tesla says it has been made aware of the reports and is looking into how to eliminate the potential flaws.
RJ Reynolds told to pay wife of cancer victim $23.6bn
A US court has ordered American cigarette manufacturer RJ Reynolds to pay almost 24 billion dollars to the wife of a smoker who died of lung cancer.
The second largest cigarette maker in the US has also been ordered to pay 17 million dollars in compensatory damages.
The suit was launched by Cynthia Robinson in 2008.
Her lawyers successfully argued RJ Reynolds was negligent in informing her husband about dangers of consuming tobacco.
He died of lung cancer in 1996.
RJ Reynolds is describing the multi-billion dollar verdict as "grossly excessive and impermissible under state and constitutional law."
The company is planning an appeal.
Headline News
Chinese president arrives in Venezuela for state visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping is now in Venezuela for the third leg of his four-nation Latin America tour.
The trip to Venezulea comes on the 40th anniversary of the two countries forging diplomatic ties.
As part of his time there, Xi Jinping is expected to oversee the signing of a number of business deals in areas including high-tech, finance, agriculture and infrastructure construction.
He's also due to meet with Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
Ukraine rebels recover black boxes of downed plane
Rebels in eastern Ukraine say the black boxes from downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have been found.
A rebel leader in Donetsk says they would be handed over to international experts if they arrive.
Meanwhile, the remains of up to 196 people have been loaded on to refrigerated train cars, to be taken to an unknown destination.
International monitors have viewed the bodies located in the refrigerated wagons near the crash site.
The Ukrainian authorities and the separatists are working on the details of the transfer of the bodies.
UN chief condemns persecution of minorities in Iraq
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is strongly condemning reports of the persecution of minority populations in Iraq by the group calling itself the Islamic State.
The condemnation comes amid reports the Sunni extremists have begun a campaign against the local Christian population in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
The group has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Christians to either convert, pay a tax, leave, or face imminent execution.
Ban Ki-moon is warning that any systematic attack on the civilian population, due to their ethnic background, religious beliefs or faith may constitute a crime against humanity.
Tens of thousands of ethnic and religious minorities have already fled the region.
6.6-magnitude quake hits 94km SE of Kuril'sk, Russia -- USGS
A strong earthquake has struck in a disputed set of islands separating northern Japan and Russia.
The 6.6-magnitude quake hit earlier this morning in the Kuril Island chain.
The quake hit at a depth of around 60-kilometers, which limited the shaking.
There have been no reports of damage or injuries.
The islands, which are currently controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan, are sparsely populated.
Death toll from super typhoon Rammasun rises to 17 in China
The death toll from typhoon Rammasun here in China has increased to 17.
One more person has been confirmed dead in Hainan.
Two others are still listed as missing.
Rammasun is being considered the strongest typhoon to hit southern China in four decades.
The storm, which made landfall in southern China on Friday, brought heavy gales and downpours to the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi.
Rammasun is being blamed for eight deaths in Hainan and nine in Guangxi.
The storm, which made landfall with winds of around 150-kilometers per hour, levelled over 50-thousand homes in Hainan.
Large swaths of the island province are still without electricity.
Newspaper Picks
BEIJING MORNING POST
Headline
Tianjin official under probe
Summary
Wu Changshun, a senior political advisor in Tianjin, is under investigation for alleged violations.
He's the vice-chair of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the city's political consultative conference and the director of the city's Public Security Bureau.
Details of the allegations against him haven't been revealed.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Driving instructor held
Summary
A Shanghai driving instructor has been arrested for billing students hundreds of thousands of yuan for extra lessons that never took place.
The local transport commission says the instructor bilked students out of some 600-thousand yuan, or nearly 100-thousdan US dollars.
PEOPLE'S DAILY
Headline
Heavy rain to hit NE China
Summary
China's meteorological authorities say torrential rains triggered by typhoon Rammasun are going to make there way here to northern China in the next few days.
Rammasun hit southern China on Friday, and is spinning itself out in southwestern China at the moment.
CHINA DAILY
Telecoms to kill VIP lounges
Summary
China's three main telecoms, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, are shutting down their VIP lounge services in airports and railway stations by October.
The Assets Supervision Commission says the operators are required to cut 40 billion yuan in marketing expenses over the next three years.
THE BEIJING TIMES
Headline
Locals hail transport fees increase
Summary
New public opinion polls are suggesting people here in Beijing are going to support an increase of public transport fees.
Local authorities contend most people believe the price adjustments will relieve the traffic congestion and improve the environment of public transport.
GLOBAL TIMES
Headline
Taiwan tourism extension
Summary
Residents in 10 more mainland cities are being allowed to apply for individual travel to Taiwan.
This now brings the number of cities allowed to apply for individual travel to the island to 30.
Special Reports
Beijing Polls Public Opinion on Public Transportation Fare Hike
Anchor
The window for offering your opinion on the potential increase in public transportation fares here in Beijing has now closed.
Municipal authorities are now expected to deliver a statement as to what we can expect as far as the fee increases are concerned.
CRI's Sam Duckett has more.
Reporter
Beijing municipal authorities began soliciting the public's opinion on public transport reform earlier in the month, seeking the opinions of the public on adjustments to the cost of transportation in China's capital.
The public can voice their opinions on the Beijing municipals governments website or via the use of the popular Chinese instant messaging service; wechat.
The current fare for subway services in Beijing is 2.0 RMB ($0.32). This includes transport to any destination in Beijing excluding the airport express line. The city's bus system charges 0.4 RMB for holders of the Beijing transportation smart card. These are some of the cheapest fairs for public transportation in a tier 1 city in China.
Former Beijing traffic commentator Xiao Hang offered his opinions on this issue.
"There is a huge amount of pressure put on the public transportation system in Beijing. The pressure is placed on both the passengers and the management teams of the public transport services. Certain plans need to be put in place to stop this pressure before it becomes too much for the public transportation services to bear. Beijing could take on a similar system to Guangzhou or Shanghai Beijing actually originally used a pricing system based on distance. I personally feel that a system should be put in place that takes into consideration the needs of the market."
In comparison, bus services in shanghai are between 1 and 1.8 RMB for a standard service and 2 rmb for air conditioned buses. The subway prices in shanghai can vary between 2 and 9 rmb depending on the distance and number of transfers.
As cheap as these fares may seem, public transportation costs in Beijing have witnessed several increases throughout the service's history. After several minor increases in price, a standard fare of 0.5 RMB was established in 1991. This amount was increased to its current fare in 1995.
The Beijing municipal government originally subsidized transport costs in Beijing to avoid heavy congestion. Beijing is seen as the land of opportunity in the country with an annually increasing amount of job seekers and students residing in Beijing. This has now escalated to the point where the roads are still heavily congested despite public transportation fees.
In addition to heavily congested roads, the subway system in Beijing also faces similar problems. If the price of Subway fares was hiked much higher than that off buss fares it may relieve some of the pressure of the heavily congested subway system.
Transportation costs in China are relatively cheap, especially in comparison to modern Europe or the USA. Subway fairs in London average between 4.70 pounds and 5.70 pounds for single tickets. This equates to 49.96/60.60rmb.
Xiao Hang reflected on his experiences abroad.
"The difference between the price of public transportation between Beijing and the western world is huge. It would not be realistic for Beijing to charge the same prices as London because of the difference in incomes. The low price of the subway system in Beijing has however surpassed the expectation of consumers. The price adjustment of the public transportation in Beijing will need to also take into consideration the average level of income."
Inflation is a constant phenomenon which makes the rise in transportation costs inevitable for the citizens of Beijing. China has such high rates of growth in its economy, money supply, and prices, meaning that heavily subsiding transportation in Beijing is an ever-growing burden for the Chinese government.
The public transportation polls will close on July 20th, after which, the authorities will give a statement on this issue.
BACK ANCHOR
CRI's Sam Duckett reporting.
Sports
Guangzhou Evergrande Held to Goalless Draw by Shandong Luneng
In Chinese Super League football action here in China,
Guangzhou Evergrande has been held to a 0-0 draw by Shandong Luneng.
Italian Alberto Gilardino, who joined Guangzhou Evergrande last week, did not play in the match.
The draw has moved Guangzhou Evergrande up to 36 points, which puts them alone at the top of the Chinese Super League table.
----
In other action,
Beijing Guo'an was upset by Henan Jianye 2-1.
Despite the defeat, Guo'an still sits second in the league rankings.
China's Rookie Yang Jian Wins Men's 10m Platform Gold at FINA Diving World Cup
This year's FINA Diving World Cup has wrapped up in China.
On the final day of the event on Sunday, Chinese rookie Yang Jian lifted his first world title in the men's 10-meter platform event.
Yang bested current world champion Qiu Bo, who finished in 2nd.
Earlier in the day, China's Shi Tingmao claimed her first championship in the women's 3-meter springboard competiton.
Her teammate He Zi came in second.
Through 6-days of competition, Team China took all 9 golds on offer, together with 4 silvers in individual events.
Lin Dan Claims Chinese Taipei Open Title
In badminton,
Reigning world and Olympic champion Lin Dan has cruised to a straight games victory to win the Chinese Taipei Open title.
It is Lin's fourth title this year.
----
In women's singles,
Defending champion Sung Ji-hyun of South Korea edged China's Liu Xin to win her second straight Chinese Taipei Open women's singles title.
----
There was an upset in women's doubles,
Top seeds and defending world champions Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang of China were defeated by Indonesian opponents.
----
In mixed doubles,
Unseeded Chinese teenagers Liu Yuchen and Yu Xiaohan capped off a surprising run through the tournament by beating their Indonesian opponents to claim the mixed doubles crown.
Rory McIlroy Wins British Open
In golf,
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has taken this year's British Open, firing a blistering 17-under.
McIlroy is now the third-youngest player behind only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to capture three of the four majors.
"I have got a big team over there. My friends and family. This is actually the first major that my mother has been at that I have won so Mum, this one is for you. And I just can't wait to get back and defend this thing at St. Andrews next year. Thank you very much."
Sergio Garcia and American Rickie Fowler finished tied for second at minus-15.
World number-1 Adam Scott finished at 12-under.
Tiger Woods ended his tournament with a disappointing three-over 75, leaving him at 6-over.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson finished at minus-5.
Wozniacki Routs Vinci for Istanbul Title
In tennis,
Top seed Caroline Wozniacki has cruised to victory in the Istanbul Cup final, hammering second-seeded Roberta Vinci 6-1, 6-1.
It's Wozniacki's first WTA title of the year.
The former world number one has now won a WTA title every year for the last seven years.
----
At the ATP German Open in Hamburg,
Leonardo Mayer of Argentina managed to come from behind to upset top seed David Ferrer 6-7, 6-1, 7-6 in the final for his first ATP title.
Mayer had not dropped a set in five matches leading into the final.
Rosberg Wins German GP as Hamilton Battles up to Third
In Formula One,
Drivers Championship leader Nico Rosberg has won the German Grand Prix.
With the victory, Rosberg has stretched his overall lead in the Formula One drivers championship to 14 points.
Rosberg is the first German home winner for a German team since the drivers championship began in 1950.
Rosberg's Mercedes' teammate Lewis Hamilton finished third after starting on the grid in 20th position.
Valtteri Bottas took second for Williams after his Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa crashed at the start.
Four-time defending world champion Sebastian Vettel came in fourth, ahead of Fernando Alonso who won a battle with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo for fifth.
Alexander Kristoff Wins Tour de France Stage 15
In cycling,
Norway's Alexander Kristoff has won the 15th stage of the Tour de France.
Italy's Vincenzo Nibali finished in the main pack to maintain the yellow jersey.
Nibali is 4:37 seconds ahead of Spain's Alejandro Valverde.
France's Romain Bardet currently sits in third.
Today is the second rest day of the tour.
2014 Beijing Marathon Opens Registration for Foreign Runners
The registration process for this year's Beijing International Marathon is underway.
The registration for foreign runners began yesterday.
This year's Beijing Marathon is due to be held on October 19th.
The run will start in Tian'anmen Square and finish at the National Olympic Park.
Entertainment
Alibaba Taps China Film Group VP to Head Movie Division
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Chinese internet giant Alibaba has hired Zhang Qiang, former vice president of China Film Group Corporation, to head up its film division.
State-owned China Film Group is the biggest and most influential player in the Chinese entertainment industry. The group is a major exporter of Chinese films and is the only importer of foreign films into the mainland.
Zhang is reportedly going to begin his new job with Alibaba next month after resigning from his position at China Film Group.
This marks the latest move in the e-commerce giant's attempt to plant its flag in China's swelling film industry sector.
Since the beginning of this year, Alibaba has bought into leading Chinese online video platform Youkou Tudou, launched entertainment crowd-funding site, Yu Le Bao, and purchased stakes in film producer ChinaVision and digital broadcasting group Wasu.
Last week, the internet company announced that it is working with U.S. film studio Lionsgate to launch a subscription TV streaming service on the Chinese mainland in August.
Music Video for Jane Zhang's "Forever" Premieres Online
The music video for Chinese pop singer Jane Zhang's latest single, "Forever," has premiered online.
(Jane Zhang-Forever)
"Forever" is the leading track from the singer's new album, "The Seventh Sense," which came out earlier this month.
The video uses 3D effects to build a surreal setting, highlighting the song's message of eternal love.
The music video first premiered on sina.com's entertainment channel.
Zhang rose to fame after coming in third-place in the first season of China's TV singing contest, "Super Girl," in 2005.
New "Planet of the Apes" Continues U.S. Box Office Dominance in Week 2
"Dawn of the Planet of The Apes" continues its dominance over the U.S. box office, snatching up over 36 million U.S. dollars over its second week.
"Dawn" is now the 10th film of the summer to break the 100-million-dollar mark in the U.S.
With a ten-day gross of just under 140 million U.S. dollars, "Dawn" is running an impressive 32 percent ahead of the 105 million ten-day take of its 2011 prequel, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."
The new "Apes" fended off three new domestic releases from the top-spot over the weekend.
Horror sequel, "The Purge: Anarchy," romantic comedy "Sex Tape" and Disney's "Planes: Fire and Rescue" all fell short of unseating the primate-packed "Dawn."
Some are counting the lackluster numbers for non-franchise titles in the U.S. to the huge downturn in overall theatre attendance stateside.
Entertainment trade publication Variety reports that the U.S. box office was down 24 percent over the weekend from the same time period a year ago.
U.S. Actor James Garner Dies at Age 86
U.S. actor James Garner, wisecracking star of TV's "Maverick", who went on to a long career in both TV and films, has died.
He was 86.
Authorities say he died of natural causes at his Brentwood, California home Saturday evening.
There was no immediate word on a specific cause of death. Garner had suffered a stroke in May 2008, just weeks after his 80th birthday.
Garner was best known for his witty, low-key style, especially with the American TV series "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files."
Among his many big-screen appearances, he's known to younger generations for playing the older version of Ryan Gosling's character in the 2004 tearjerker, "The Notebook."
Woody Allen's Latest Movie Premieres
Woody Allen has premiered his upcoming film, "Magic in the Moonlight," in New York with stars Emma Stone and Colin Firth.
"Magic in the Moonlight" marks Allen's 50th film as a director.
The director explains his motivation for directing 50 films, writing more than 70, and appearing in 45.
"I'm getting paid to do something that I like to do, so when I'm finished with a film, I don't consider it work. It's like I've never worked a day in my life. Then I start on another film, because it's what I enjoy doing."
Set in the 1920s in southern France, the romantic comedy stars Firth as a master magician hired to expose a psychic, played by Stone, as a fake. In the end, a different kind of magic happens.
"Magic in the Moonlight" opens in the U.S. this Saturday.
That’s it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
A quick recap of headlines before we go.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Venezuela following a stop-over in Argentina.
The death toll from Typhoon Rammusen in southern China has hit 17.
International investigators are said to be gaining certain access to the site where a Malaysia Airlines flight was reportedly shot down in eastern Ukraine this past week.
In Business.... a meat supplier in Shanghai is being probed for selling expired products to fast-food chains.
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.
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