Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.

Coming up on our program this morning...

Anti-corruption and the status of Hong Kong among several topics due to be discussed at this year's CPPCC session, which officially opens later today.

Britain's Prince William has arrived in Shanghai as part of his current 4-day trip here to China.

A round of bilateral nuclear talks between the US and Iran have opened in Switzerland as Israel's Prime Minister prepares to address the US Congress.

In business... the Renminbi losing value against the US dollar following the PBOC's interest rate cut.

In Sports... Liaoning books its ticket into the CBA finals in a semi-final sweep.

In Entertainment... shooting is underway for a much-anticipated Chinese sci-fi film.

First, let's check in with what's happening with the weather...

 

 

Weather

 

 

Beijing will be sunny today with a high of 4 and a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius.

Shanghai will be overcast with a high of 14 and a low of 7 degrees Celsius.

Chongqing, also overcast, with a high of 13.

Elsewhere in Asia.

Islamabad will see moderate rain, with a high of 19.

Kabul will have sleet , with a high of 2.

Over to North America.

New York will have sleet with a high of 2 degrees Celsius.

Washington also have sleet, with a high of 3 degree Celsius.

Honolulu, rainy, with a high of 26.

Toronto will have snow with a high of minus 3.

Finally, in South America,

Buenos Aires, cloudy, 30.

And Rio de Janeiro will see slight rain with a high of 28 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Top News

 

 

The first press-con of CPPCC held this afternoon

 

Anchor

The annual meetings of China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, opens later today in Beijing.

Ahead of the opening session, authorities have outlined the key topics to be discussed, which include the current anti-corruption campaign, counter-terrorism and constitutional reforms in Hong Kong, among others.

CRI's Wang Mengzhen has more.

Reporter

Hundreds of Chinese and foreign journalists gathered at the very first press conference ahead of CPPCC's annual session. Spokesperson Lv Xinhua says China's national political advisory body has no room for corrupt officials.

Last year, two vice chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee, Ling Jihua and Su Rong, were investigated for corruption.

"Here I want to say that the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is no harbor for corrupt officials. We fully support the investigation into those corrupt officials who have violated rules and might break the law. Although most of their violations did not occur during their tenure as leading national political advisors, the cases have affected the image of the CPPCC. As such, the Party will upgrade and overhaul anti-corruption measures."

A CPPCC meeting over the weekend saw the removal of Ling Jihua from his post, and his membership to the country's top political advisory body has also been stripped.

Also, Su Roog is being investigated by the Supreme People's court over allegations of accepting huge bribes.

Commenting on media reports that there might be "bigger tigers", or senior-level corrupt officials, brought down in the country's anti-corruption drive, Lyu says China's anti-corruption effort "has no limit or ceiling" and "no one has impunity.

On the subject of terrorism, Lv says China has set the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a major target, as violence and terrorism have been on the rise in recent years, especially in Xinjiang .

"China set the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as the major target when seeking international cooperation against terrorism last year. Meanwhile, the country has set up counter-terrorism cooperation with more than 10 countries and has engaged in information sharing, intelligence verification, case cooperation, and capacity building."

Speaking of the ongoing constitutional reform in Hong Kong, Lv says Chinese government's stance is "clear and consistent".

"The central government unswervingly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in developing democracy in an orderly and gradual manner. It also supports Hong Kong in achieving universal suffrage in the election of a new Chief Executive in 2017, according to the Hong Kong Basic Law and decisions made by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee."

During the first press conference of the upcoming sessions, Lv also hailed internal improvements to the CPPCC as the national political advisory body, featuring its "biweekly panel discussions".

Chinese basketball sensation Yao Ming's sports reform proposal raised during the "biweekly discussion" is likely to be addressed during this year's annual session.

This year's CPPCC annual session will run until March 13th.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.

 

 

14 generals named in corruption crackdown

 

The Chinese military has released a list of 14 generals who have been convicted of graft or placed under investigation as part of the nationwide anti-corruption drive.

Those under investigation include Major-General Guo Zhenggang, the ex-deputy political commissar of the military in Zhejiang.

Others include leading officers in provincial military commands, as well as some from the navy, the missile corps and the National Defense University.

This comes four months after one of China's most senior former military officers, Xu Caihou, confessed to taking "massive" bribes in exchange for help with promotions.

 

 

Prince William Opens UK creativity event in Shanghai

 

Britain's Prince William has opened the GREAT Festival of Creativity at the Long Museum in Shanghai.

The event is meant to try to showcase some of the best the UK has in creative talent.

Organizers say the event should help forge new partnerships between Britain and China, with more than 500 British companies in the entertainment, design, health care and fashion fields taking part.

"This is a driverless pod and the idea with this is that you don't have to have any driver and it has 23 different sensors of different kinds to guide it. And it uses GPS for map locations."

"It is a computer vision system that is able to recognize not only faces but facial details like age, gender and moods as well. For example, we can recognize a person as happy, sad, disgusted or angry."

Before heading to Shanghai, Prince William first met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and toured the Forbidden City.

He also attended a ceremony to launch the 2015 China-UK Year of Cultural Exchange.

The Duke of Cambridge's trip to China is the first since Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip visited China in 1986.

Prince William is also due to visit Yunnan before wrapping up his 4-day trip to China.

 

 

Websites halt sales of lottery tickets

 

Anchor

Online lottery sales have been suspended on a number of websites here in China following a deadline for provincial and municipal governments to investigate and report on lottery sales.

CRI's Guo Yan has more.

Reporter

A number of major lottery websites across China have suspended their lottery ticket services since the weekend.

This, after the central authorities issued an order demanding all provincial and municipal governments investigate online sales ahead of March 1st and submit their findings.

Caipiao.taobao.com, a platform developed by Alibaba to sell tickets for China's welfare lottery and its sports equivalent, had to suspend sales on Saturday.

The website says the decision has been made in accordance with requirements from the China Welfare Lottery Management Center and its Sports Lottery counterpart.

Xie Min is with Alibaba's ticket-selling website.

"Standard lottery sales centers are still allowed to sell tickets on our platform. But the website itself is no longer selling lottery tickets. Individual businesses are also no longer allowed to sell lottery tickets on our website. We made the decision after receiving a notice from the authorities."

Regulations connected to online lottery management state that websites have to have ministerial approval before they can sell lottery tickets.

However, the authorities have found that many lottery websites have been operating in cooperation with provincial or municipal lottery management centers without getting the proper approvals.

Regulators contend this has led to "competitive chaos."

Tang Xiaoping is with the Chinese lottery management center.

"Some held back lottery sales revenues and sales data, leading to the loss of lottery funds. It's harmful to the overall lottery market. Some have been found sell lottery tickets to minors, which is also a violation."

Buying lottery tickets online has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Last year, lottery tickets worth more than 80 billion yuan were bought online.

But, despite the convenience, this has also led to a growing number of complaints, including delays in ticket orders and people not receiving their prizes, creating frustration among those who use the services.

For CRI, I'm Guo Yan

 

 

Priceless Asian Artworks Swiped from France's Fontainebleau Castle

 

Over a dozen rare pieces of art have been stolen from the Chinese Museum at the Fontainebleau Castle outside Paris.

French authorities say two suspects managed to gain entry into the Museum over the weekend, and while only staying inside for 7-minutes, managed to make off with 15 different pieces.

The stolen artifacts include ancient pieces from China and Siam, which is now modern-day Thailand.

Jean-Francois Hebert is the president of Fontainebleau Castle.

"Those are pieces which are simply priceless. For the simple reason that they are singular, original, gifts made to Napoleon III and Eugenie by the King of Siam in 1861. They are also very precious pieces for China. So we can really say the pieces are priceless."

French authorities haven't said whether or not they have any suspects.

Fontainebleau Castle was the residence of French monarchs from Louis VII through Napoleon III.

It's now a national museum.

 

 

U.S., Israel Disagree over Iran's Nuke Program, But Ties Strong: Netanyahu

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a new set of statements ahead of his controversial address to the US Congress later on this Tuesday.

He says while the US and Israel disagree about how to handle the Iranian nuclear situation, he contends ties between the two countries still remain strong.

"As the Prime Minister of Israel, I have a moral obligation to speak up in the face of these dangers while there is still time to avert them. For 2,000 years, my people, the Jewish people were stateless, defenseless. We were utterly powerless against our enemies who swore to destroy us. We suffered relentless persecution and horrific attacks. We could never speak in our own behalf and we could not defend ourselves. Well, no more. No more."

Netanyahu is due to address US lawmakers at the invitation of the Republican leadership.

This has been done without consultation with the White House.

In the fallout from this, Obama says he will not be meeting with Netanyahu during his time in Washington, saying his trip to the US capital comes too close to the Israeli elections, which are set to take place in a couple of weeks.

The Obama administration has blasted Netanyahu's plans to address Congress, saying it may be "destructive" to the fabric of US-Israeli ties.

 

 

Iran nuclear negotiations resume

 

Negotiations connected to Iran's nuclear program have resumed in Switzerland.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif have sat down for the first of what should be 3-days of meetings in the Swiss city of Montreux.

Speaking ahead of the talks, Kerry notes there is still no deal in place.

"Right now no deal exists, no partial deal exists, and unless Iran is able to make the difficult decisions that will be required there won't be a deal. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."

At the same time, Kerry is also cautioning Israel not to undercut the negotiations.

"We are concerned by reports that suggest selective details of the ongoing negotiations will be discussed publicly in the coming days. I want to say clearly that doing so would make it more difficult to reach the goal that Israel and others say they share in order to get a good deal."

Iran and the P5+1 have until the end of March to reach a political agreement, with a further four months to work out the technical aspects of any deal.

The negotiations have already missed two previous deadlines.

 

 

S.Koreans Protest against US-S.Korea Drills

 

A group of South Korean protesters have gathered in front of the US embassy in Seoul to voice their opposition to the annual joint military drills now underway between South Korea and the US.

The protesters have shouted slogans and held up posters, calling for an end to the joint war games.

"The South Korean and the U.S. governments have always claimed the joint drills are of a defensive nature. However, weapons used in the annual drills are of an offensive capability. The drills will raise the risk of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. We should reduce such military drills as much as possible, and hold talks for peace on the peninsula."

"I wish the relationship between South Korea and North Korea will remain in peace, and I don't want to see any war in the future."

The joint US-South Korean military exercises began on Monday and are expected to last until the end of next month.

The annual event involves hundreds-of-thousands of South Korean troops and thousands of US soldiers.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles into its eastern waters on Monday in an apparent response to the exercises.

Pyongyang considers them a prelude to an invasion.

The US and South Korean sides contend the annual exercises are strictly defensive in nature.

 

 

UN Warns of Growing Civilian Suffering in Ukraine

 

The United Nations now estimates the number of people killed in eastern Ukraine since the fighting first broke out almost a year ago has surpassed the 6-thousand mark.

Fiona Frazer, the Deputy Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, says the situation in eastern Ukraine is still grave, despite the current ceasefire.

"The escalation is particularly worrying and I think we need to really focus on the people who it has directly impacted in the conflict area and the civilians who are suffering a great deal. Many people have been trapped, they have been trapped in basements, they faced lack of food, access to health care, water, electricity."

Fighting began in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions last April, a month after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have held talks on Monday, as tensions remain high.

New reports suggest a Ukrainian soldier has been killed on Monday.

Despite this, the fragile ceasefire is still said to be broadly holding, even though there is still some spur attic fighting taking place.

Both Kiev and the rebels have been withdrawing their heavy weapons in line with the ceasefire deal made in Minsk last month.

 

 

U.S. Agriculture Delegation Visits Cuba for Possible Cooperation

 

Representatives from the US and Cuban agriculture sectors are sitting down in the hope of working out new business deals.

A group of 95 US representatives are in Cuba for a three-day meeting.

John Block, a former US Agriculture Secretary, is among them.

"We have a farmer-to-farmer program where our farmers come to the countries and share ideas and learn from each other. I'm just saying, we're very sincere about this opportunity and I'm happy we're this far. We've got a long ways to go. I don't want to kid ourselves. But we need to hang together and keep working to strengthen the relationship and in the final analysis, bring us all together."

Pedro Padron is the Director of U.S. and Canada Trade Policy with Cuba's Foreign Trade and Investment Ministry.

"We are hoping that their visit will contribute to the normalization of trade relations between the two countries and I am certain that in the future, we will be talking about businesses that are interesting and very useful for both sides."

Cuba is a potential 2-billion US dollar agriculture market for US investors.

However, that can't happen until trade restrictions are lifted.

 

 

Biz Reports

 

 

Stocks

 

Anchor

First, a quick look at the closing numbers across North America and Europe.

Joining me on the desk, Luo Wen.

Reporter

U.S. stocks surged to close at record highs on Monday as investors balanced downbeat U.S. economic data with China's latest interest rates cut.

The Nasdaq finished about the 5-thousand mark for the first time since March 2000.

The tech-heavy index was boosted by two big announcements.

Shares of chipmaker NXP gained 17 percent after it agreed to buy smaller peer Freescale Semiconductor to create a company valued at over 40 billion U.S. dollars.

Freescale shares advanced nearly 12 percent on the news.

At the same time, Hewlett-Packard has announced its buying Wi-Fi gear maker Aruba Networks for 2.7 billion U.S. dollars, the biggest deal for the world's No. 2 PC maker since 2011.

HP rival Cisco systems shares also rose 2.3 percent following the news.

At close,

Both the Dow Jones and the Nasdaq added around 0.9 percent.

The S&P 500 edged up 0.6 percent.

Meanwhile,

Europe's main stock markets closed little changed on Monday.

At the closing bell,

The UK's FTSE 100 ended down slightly.

Germany's DAX ticked up slightly.

And finally France's CAC 40 decreased nearly 0.7 percent.

 

 

Rates Cut Helps Chinese Stocks Rise

 

Meanwhile here in China, the markets made gains on Monday after the central bank cut interest rates for the second time in three months on Saturday.

The Shanghai Composite Index edged up nearly 0.8 percent.

The Shenzhen Component Index advanced about one percent.

Companies involved in environmental protection led the gains on the day, with a string of stocks related to air quality soaring increasing by the daily limit of 10 percent.

Investors are hoping the government is going to be doing more to combat air pollution after a documentary about China's environmental problems went viral over the weekend, drawing millions of viewers.

 

 

Dollar Climbs as Yuan Slides After China Rate Cut

 

Anchor:

The U.S. dollar has hit an 11-year high against a basket of major currencies.

The greenback has risen to as high as 95.505 against a basket of major currencies, its highest level since September 2003.

At the same time, the renminbi has weakened by 38 basis points to 6.1513 against the U.S. dollar.

The rise of the US dollar against the Chinese currency follows the PBOC's interest rate cut.

For more on this, we're joined now live by Gao Shang, analyst with Beijing-based Guantong Futures.

Q1: Renminbi has been weakening in recent weeks, so what do you think is the main reason for that? Do you agree that it is because of the rate cut?

Q2: If the yuan continue weakens, what will happen next? What impact will it have on foreign investment or local manufacturing?

Q3: What impact is the lower value of the renminbi going to have on individuals in China?

Back Anchor:

Gao Shang, analyst with Beijing-based Guantong Futures.

 

 

Rare Earth Exchange on Solid Ground

 

New stats show China's rare-earth exchange seen more than 35-thousand tons of products being traded through its first year of operation.

The Baotou Rare Earth Exchange was launched a year ago in Inner Mongolia.

Its trading value reached more than 890 million U.S. dollars as of the end of last year.

95 rare earth firms and traders in about half of China's provinces have accounts on the exchange.

The exchange was established in an attempt to give China more control over global rare-earth prices.

China is the world's largest rare earth producer and exporter, contributing some 90 percent of the world's supplies.

 

 

Royal Mail Joins Hands with Alibaba

 

Britain's Royal Mail has announced its joining Alibaba's Tmall Global online marketplace.

Royal Mail is expected to launch its online shop front later this month.

It is going to provide consumers with access to small-and medium-sized British retailers and exporters who want to do business in China, but do not have the means to do it alone.

Royal Mail will deal with the documentation needed for the firms, as well as things such as marketing, promotions and customer service.

In return, Royal Mail will receive commissions on the sale of products and revenues through shipping.

 

 

BYD to Open First Factory in Brazil

 

Chinese electric vehicle and solar panel manufacturer BYD is set to open its first factory in Brazil this year.

The Shenzhen-based company is going to build non-polluting buses and taxis for large cities in Brazil.

The factory will also produce batteries, solar panels and assemble electric buses.

It's expected to be operational by the middle of this year.

BYD is also part of a consortium working to develop a car-sharing scheme in Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian capital is due to host the Summer Olympics next year.

Several transport projects are already underway to prepare the city for the event.

 

 

M&S to Close 5 Stores in Shanghai

 

British retailer Marks & Spencer is planning to close five of its stores in Shanghai this summer.

The retailer says it will continue to invest in its existing flagship store on Nanjing Road.

Marks & Spencer has said it has plans to invest in other Chinese cities this year, including Beijing and Guangzhou.

The company already has 18 wholly-owned stores and four stand-alone food stores in Hong Kong.

M&S entered China in 2008 with a store in Shanghai.

It now has 15 outlets on the mainland.

However, Marks & Spencer has struggled to brand itself in China, even though the company says this country remains a priority.

 

 

Samsung, Huawei Unveil New Products at MWC

 

Samsung has unveiled its latest phone at this year's Mobile World Congress trade fair in Barcelona, Spain.

The new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge both feature an aluminum frame sandwiched between a glass front and back.

The S6 has a flat display.

The S6 Edge has a curved display.

Both phones include technology for mobile payments.

However, Samsung's new service to rival Apple Pay isn't expected to be released until the summer.

The phones Samsung phones are going to be available April 10th.

Prices haven't been revealed.

At the same event, Chinese tech giant Huawei has also unveiled a series of wearable devices including its first smartwatch.

Huawei has also introduced two new fitness tracking devices at the Barcelona event.

 

 

Headline News

 

 

Spokesperson: Nobody Immune to Anti-graft Probe

 

An official with China's top political advisory body says the government is resolute in maintaining its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, saying that no corrupt officials are immune from punishment.

CPPCC spokesperson Lv Xinhua has made the comment to reporters ahead of the opening of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference later today in Beijing.

In making the comment, the official also says the CPPCC is not a safe harbor for corrupt officials, noting the recent investigation into former senior members Ling Jihua and Su Rong.

 

 

14 generals named in corruption crackdown

 

The Chinese military has released a list of 14 generals who have been convicted of graft or placed under investigation as part of the nationwide anti-corruption drive.

Those under investigation include Major-General Guo Zhenggang, the ex-deputy political commissar of the military in Zhejiang.

Others include leading officers in provincial military commands, as well as some from the navy, the missile corps and the National Defense University.

This comes four months after one of China's most senior former military officers, Xu Caihou, confessed to taking "massive" bribes in exchange for help with promotions.

 

 

China says loans to Sri Lanka "based on consensus"

 

The Chinese government has gone on-record saying its loans to Sri Lanka are based on consultations between the two countries.

The statement comes after Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister went on-record saying his country is concerned about the interest rates China is charging.

Despite this, the Chinese side says practical cooperation between the two countries will still be moving ahead.

China and Sri Lanka signed a new series of agreements as part of the country's foreign minister's first trip to China.

 

 

Iraqi forces 'retake' Tikrit districts from IS

 

Iraqi government forces say they have retaken certain areas around the city of Tikrit in a new offensive meant to recapture the city from the Islamic State.

A force of some 30-thousand regular troops, plus militia fighters, are reportedly attacking on different fronts, backed by air strikes from Iraqi jets.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the start of the operation on Sunday.

Tikrit, Saddam Hussien's former home town north of Baghdad, fell to the Islamic State in the group's initial run toward Baghdad last summer.

It lies on the road to Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, which is also in the hands of the Islamic State.

 

 

Death toll in eastern Ukraine surpasses 6,000: UN

 

The United Nations says the estimated number of people killed in the Ukraine conflict is believed to have now surpassed 6,000.

The UN's Human Rights office says the escalation in fighting in recent weeks resulted in hundreds of deaths, both civilian and military.

Its latest human rights monitoring report paints a picture of "merciless devastation of civilian lives and infrastructure" since the conflict began last April.

It warns the human rights situation in Ukraine remains grave.

 

 

Newspaper Picks

 

 

CHINA DAILY

Headline

Xiaomi launches new camera

Summary

Xiaomi has released its first new product of 2015 – the Xiaoyi sports camera.

The new camera weighs 72 grams and has a retail price of 399 yuan for basic version and 499 yuan for travel version.

The built-in Wi-Fi allows users take videos, browse and edit with a mobile phone app.

YANZHAO METROPOLITAN DAILY

Headline

Drug purchase regulations

Summary

The State Council is now only allowing hospitals to order drugs only from pre-approved suppliers.

A newly released circular says hospitals will have to pay distribution fees directly to logistics companies.

New negotiation mechanisms to formalize price negotiations between hospitals and suppliers has also been introduced.

XIAOXIANG MORNING POST

Headline

Internet gambling bust

Summary

Chinese police have busted a cross-border Internet gambling ring being run out of Hunan.

Provincial authorities say around 200 million yuan from around a thousand different accounts across the country have been frozen.

SHANGHAI DAILY

Headline

Plea to help with rare diseases

Summary

Doctors in Shanghai are calling for more government support to help children suffering from rare disorders.

Medical experts in the city are calling for better research and treatment, as well as more financial support.

Nearly 17 million people suffer from rare diseases across China.

Many of them are children.

GLOBAL TIMES

Headline

Quick blood tests

Summary

Chinese health authorities plan to make expedited blood testing universal this year.

The idea is to close the window between testing and potential exposure to diseases after the initial tests.

Currently blood testing can take between 9-days to 3-months, which is a wide window for someone to become infected after taking the initial test.

BEIJING TIMES

Headline

Museum development promotions

Summary

New rules for China's non-state-run museums say they're going to receive the same treatment as state-owned institutions when it comes to taxes and other policies.

The new regulations also cover the protection and management of collections.

They also deal with the role museums should be playing in both education and research.

 

 

Special Reports

 

 

Geneva Motor Show Preview

 

Anchor

Auto manufacturers are focusing on "the fast lane" at this year's Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin are among those preparing to debut new turbo-charged motors at the event.

CRI's Luo Wen has more.

Reporter

This year, the Geneva Motor Show is set to see 130 new models presented.

They'll join a total of 900 vehicles on display for expected crowds of over 700,000 visitors.

According to Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of weekly UK-based car magazine 'Auto Express', the motor show is an integral part of the motoring calendar.

"It's really the first chance for the industry to show how strong it's going to be in 2015 with a whole host of new models and a few themes that we normally see coming through."

As with the Paris Motor Show late last year, speed remains an alluring trait for many of the premium car manufacturers in attendance.

Italian auto makers Ferrari are set to unveil the 488 GTB, an extreme performance vehicle which promises to power from 0-200 kilometres an hour in 8.3 seconds.

Aston Martin will unveil their new 'Vulcan' track-only super car, it's set to boast a 7-litre V12 petrol engine and will be limited to just 24 models worldwide.

German auto makers Audi are set to present the second generation of their high-performance R8 sports car.

Ford will give their new Focus RS its motor show debut, it's the third in a generation of performance hatchbacks by the US car manufacturers.

According to Jim Holder, editor of weekly UK-based motoring magazine 'Auto Car', this penchant for fast vehicles demonstrates the thriving demand for revved-up race cars.

"Car makers are starting to invent in products that make them more appealing, they're not just being worthy anymore, they're trying to be exciting. And there really is a push behind that even from the mainstream makers like Ford who have the GT in Europe for the first time."

Just as it has done at previous motor shows, self-driving technology will continue to be the new kid on the block in Geneva.

Swiss ideas factory Rinspeed is set to unveil their vision of an autonomous future in the form of 'Budii', it uses a telescoping laser scanner on the roof called 'Track View' to create a precise 3D perspective.

If passengers feel like taking the wheel, a robotic arm hands the steering wheel to the driver, it moves on a sensitive 7-axis unit.

It also boasts a technology system which independently identifies the habits and preferences of the driver, therefore reducing necessary operating steps to a minimum and saving power for its electric engine.

Jim Holder says we're seeing with autonomous cars going a lot of different directions.

"Where Google struggles in my mind at the moment is they have a car that style-wise is utterly unappealing. What the mainstream manufacturers know about styling is leagues ahead of anything Google knows."

As with other motor shows, Geneva is set to feature a collection of concept models, demonstrating what car manufacturers envisage the average driver to be riding in ten to twenty years' time.

The Geneva Motor Show runs 5-15 March with press previews on the 3 and 4 March.

CRI's Luo Wen reporting.

 

 

 

 

Sports

 

 

Guangzhou A&F coach confident ahead of Buriam United match

 

And in some AFL news.

Guangzhou A&F coach Cosmin Marius Contra said he is confident to lead the team to continue their winning streak ahead of their match today against Buriam United in the AFC champions league group F.

The Romanian coach told reporters at a press conference that he was confident with his players.

The Champions League newcomers' 2 – 0 win at Gamba Osaka maintained Guangzhou R&F's perfect record after beating Singapore Warriors 3-0 and Australia's Central Coast Mariners 3-1 in the Play-off rounds.

Buriam United could be a tough match for the team. In 2012, Buriam United stunned Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1.

 

 

Prince William wants to see more Chinese players in EPL

 

Prince William has said he wants to see more Chinese players in the English Premier League.

During Monday's meeting with President Xi Jinping, William asked about Xi's interest in football and said he hoped to see more Chinese players in the English premier league.

Chinese players first joined the league in 2002 when Sun Jihai joined Manchester City and Li Tie, now a Chinese national team coach, made it to Everton. They were followed by Dong Fangzhuo and Zheng Zhi, current China captain.

Xi, an avid fan of football told the prince that China would like to learn the game from world top teams including England.

China's central reform group, chaired by Xi, approved a sweeping football reform plan last Friday.

 

 

Liaoning book place into finals after beating Qingdao

 

In CBA action last night.

Liaoning dominated the game against Qingdao winning 129 – 110. Qingdao went into the game looking confident taking the first quarter 29 – 27 but Liaoning weren't ready to hand the team a much needed win, overpowering the side through the next three quarters to finally win the match.

This now means Liaoning have taken the best of five series 3-0, booking themselves a place in the finals.

Tonight Beijing will be looking for a win against Guangdong as they currently lead the series 2-1 and are one win away from their third CBA finals in four years. Tip off for that game starts at 7.30pm Beijing time.

 

 

NBA preview and Jimmy Butler injury

 

In the NBA this morning there are five games.

The Toronto Raptors take on the Philadelphia 76ers

Phoenix Suns play Miami Heat

Golden State Warriors play the Brooklyn Nets

Minnesota Timberwolves play the Los Angeles Clippers at home.

And the New Orleans Pelicans take on Dallas Mavericks.

And some quick off pitch news.

Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler is expected to miss three to six weeks with a sprained left elbow, the latest setback for the injury plagued Chicago Bulls.

He suffered the injury when he collided with Clippers' centre DeAndre Jordan three minutes into the second half on Sunday and did not return.

 

 

Kei Nishikori leap frogs to fourth place on ATP world rankings

 

In Tennis.

Japan's Kei Nishikori has soared to fourth place on the ATP world rankings after a successful couple of months.

Nishikori moved ahead of Britain's Andy Murray after recently winning his third successive Memphis Open, his eighth ATP Tour title and now only trails third-placed Rafael Nadal by 260 ranking points.

Andy Murray has suffered a string of defeats since reaching the Australian Open final as he was beaten by Gilles Simon in the quarter finals in Rotterdam and was ousted by Borna Coric at the same stage in Dubai last week.

Novak Djokovic holds his place comfortably at the top of the rankings but nearest rival Roger Federer sent out a warning to the world number one after winning the Dubai Championship.

 

 

Padraig Harrington wins the PGA Honda Classic

 

In Golf.

Padraig Harrington ended a seven-year wait on the two main tours when he won the PGA Honda Classic in a playoff with American rookie Daniel Berger following a thrilling final round on Monday.

Harrington, a triple major winner had plummeted down the rankings after several seasons of struggle and went into the tournament 297th in the world.

Both players finished on six under par but Berger found water on the second playoff hole, the par three 17th and Harrington two-putted from three feet after having produced an impressive iron shot off the tee.

On the 17th tee, Harrington sliced his tee shot into the water and made a double-bogey which left him a stroke behind Berger who had been nine off the pace at the start of the round.

Harrington responded in typically gritty fashion, setting up the playoff by sinking a superb 15-foot birdie putt at the 18th.

 

 

Ireland take on South Africa in Cricket World Cup

 

In the Cricket World Cup today.

South Africa are playing Ireland today. Ireland are one of only three unbeaten teams at the World Cup alongside India and New Zealand.

Although Ireland are seen as the underdogs, they have a history of shock wins including a win against England at the World Cup in 2011 and they have already beaten the West Indies during this World Cup.

South Africa will put up a fight and are a strong side going into the match having beaten the West Indies by 257 runs on the back of AB de Villiers' record breaking 162 from 66 balls. He hit the fastest ever 150 in a one day international.

 

 

NHL trade deadline passes

 

This year's trade deadline has come to pass in the National Hockey League.

As per usual, there were a flurry of trades ahead of the deadline, with most of the playoff-bound teams moving to bolster their back-ends.

Among the trades of note...

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired veteran defenseman James Wisniewski from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a pair of forwards, including Rene Bourque.

The Detroit Red Wings have picked up d-man Marek Zidlicky from the New Jersey Devils for a draft-pick.

Montreal has acquired defenseman Jeff Petry from Edmonton for a pair of draft picks.

And the New York Islanders have bolstered their goaltending situation, picking up Michael Neuvirth (NEW-worth) from Buffalo in-exchange for goalie Chad Johnson and a draft pick.  

 

 

Entertainment

 

 

Sci-fi movie "Three-body problem" starts shooting

 

Shooting has begun for the much-anticipated Chinese sci-fi movie "Three-body problem."

Director Zhang Fanfan has made the revelation on his weibo account.

"Three-body problem" is being adapted from Chinese sci-fi writer Liu Cixin's trilogy of the same name.

In the trilogy, the entire solar system is flattened into two dimensions in an apocalyptic battle between humans and aliens.

Zhang Fanfan, who is known for directing mystery films, will be joined by writer Liu Cixin on the set as a consultant and executive director.

Yoozoo Pictures, the films' producer, is planning to spend 1.2 billion yuan on the trilogy.

The first installment of the series is set for release next year.

 

 

Classical Monkey King Actor Plans a 'Journey to the West' Movie

 

Liu Xiao Ling Tong, who plays the Monkey King in the classic 1986 TV adaption of 'Journey to the West' says he plans to shoot a movie version of the famous Chinese novel.

The 56-year-old Monkey King actor says he has been mulling the idea of making a movie series of 'Journey to the West' for a long time.

He says he plans to invite the original cast of the 1986 TV series to join in the films.

Ma Dehua, who plays the 'Monk Pig' in the original TV series, has already agreed to take part in the films.

A film version of the famous Chinese novel is already due to hit theatres next year.

 

 

"Cinderella" cast attend the film's LA premiere

 

The cast of Disney's reboot of "Cinderella" have taken to the red carpet in Los Angeles.

Cate Blanchett, who has one of the leading roles, says the new film is a more sober retelling of Cinderella's actual story.

"It's a quietly powerful rendition of the character. You really understand why she endures what she does because the more tragedy that gets heaped upon her the more open and generous and compassionate she becomes as a human being."

Director Kenneth Branagh says the classic tale seems to resonate around the world.

"Well it's been lovely, you go to Russia and the Russians say it's our Cinderella. And the Italians say it's an Italian Cinderella. I think the personal relationship with the story surprises me"

The film stars Cate Blanchett as The Wicked Stepmother.

Lily James plays the title role as Ella, or "Cinderella."

"Cinderella" opens in US theatres on March 13th.

 

 

Details emerge about Leonard Nimoy's funeral

 

More details have emerged about the funeral services held for late Star Trek icon Leonard Nimoy.

His family has revealed the actor was laid to rest in a Jewish service on Sunday in California.

Representatives of the Nimoy family intentionally kept details of the memorial quiet to avoid protests by the Westburo Baptist Church.

This is the Florida-based church which routinely protests outside memorial services for fallen US service members or any celebrity who passes away who don't share their beliefs.

Nimoy's family says the service was well attended, save for one noteable exception: William Shatner.

The Canadian actor, who played Captian Kirk during the Star Trek TV series along-side Nimoy, instead followed up on a previous chairity obligation, though admitted to reporters afterward that missing his friend's funeral was very difficult.

Leonard Nimoy passed away last week after late-stage heart problems.

He was 83.