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

Coming up on our program this morning...

37 people are reported dead in a terrorist attack on a Tunisian hotel...

Islamic State claiming responsibility for an attack on a mosque in Kuwait that has left 16 dead and dozens more wounded...

And the US Supreme Court issuing a landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states...

In our weekly business review... The 7th round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue wrapping up on Wednesday..

In Sports... a preview of upcoming action in the Chinese Super League...

In Entertainment...Harry Potter to get a reboot as a live-action play...

Top NewsAttack on Tunisian Hotel Kills 37-reuters 5317A gunman disguised as a tourist opened fire at a Tunisian hotel on Friday, killing at least 37 people that included British, German and Belgian nationals.

The gunfire and an explosion erupted at the Imperial Marhaba in the resort town of Sousse, 140 kilometers south of the capital Tunis.

36 others were wounded in the attack, while the gunman was shot dead by police at the scene. 　It was the second major attack on Tunisia this year following the Islamist militant assault on Tunis Bardo museum in March when gunmen killed 21 foreign visitors.

An interior ministry official said the gunman was a student, but unknown to authorities and not on any watchlist.

It's being reported that another bomb has been found on his body.

Local radio said police captured a second gunman, but local officials did not immediately confirm the arrest or his role in the attack.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said at least five Britons were killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, a Hanover-based tour operator says that it has no information yet as to the fate of its 66 guests who were staying at the beachside hotel.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi says the war against terrorism involves his whole country.

"We have repeatedly said that Tunisia is in a war against terrorism. This war does not only concern the police or the army that paid the higher price and was often targeted, today we are reminded that the Tunisian people as a whole are involved."No one immediately claimed the attack. But Islamist jihadists have attacked North African tourist sites before, seeing them as legitimate targets because of their open Western lifestyles and tolerance of alcohol.

The attack took place on a day in which a decapitated body daubed with Arabic writing was found in France and a suicide bomber killed two dozen people at a mosque in Kuwait.

IS Claims Responsibility for Kuwait Mosque AttackIn Kuwait, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite mosque which has left at least 16 killed and dozens wounded.

The explosion at the Imam Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City took place during midday prayers on Friday.

Adnan Motwa, a Member of Kuwaiti National Assembly, urges further efforts against terrorism.

"I can see that all the Muslims are dying by terrorism, they are not targeting a sect but the all the Arab and Muslim nations. We are not safe anymore, neither in our houses nor in the mosques, and we are calling upon the Gulf countries' council and the Islamic countries to fight terrorism."A paramedic said most of the victims were men or boys who were at the mosque when the bombing occurred.

He said medics have treated at least 179 people.

France AttackA Paris Public prosecutor has said a delivery man with known Islamist ties beheaded his boss and left the body, daubed with Arabic writing, at the site of a U.S.-owned gas factory in southeast France which he then tried to blow up.

"At 0928am, a utility van recognizable by the acronym of a transport company entered the plant without attracting attention. This van was regularly seen in the plant to do deliveries. The van arrived at the gate, the driver rang the bell to enter the plant, the door was naturally opened as the driver was recognised by the workers."Prosecutor Francois Mollins says the attacker then rammed his delivery van into a warehouse containing gas canisters, triggering an initial explosion, before being arrested minutes later as he tried to open canisters containing flammable chemicals.

Two people were injured in the blast that happened at an industrial zone to the south of the city of Lyon.

Aside from the body, police also found the head of the victim, the 54-year-old manager of the transport firm which employed the suspect.

French President Francois Hollande has raised the security alert to its highest level for three days in the region.

The assault came as France is still coming to terms with January attacks by Islamist gunman who killed 17 at a satirical weekly and a Jewish foodstore.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack and the motive was unknown.

The attacker was injured in the blast and arrested on the site. His wife, sister and a third person were taken into custody for questioning.

Sources close to the investigation identified the suspect as the 35-year-old Yacine Sahli, who is a professional driver living in the Lyon suburbs.

Li's Visit to Boost China-EU TiesAnchor:

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will depart on Sunday for a visit to the European Union.

As CRI's Luo Wen reports, Chinese officials believe the visit will mark a new stage in China-EU ties.

Reporter:

During his five-day trip, Li Keqiang will attend the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, pay an official visit to France and give a speech at the headquarters of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris.

Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao says the meeting in Brussels, the first since the change of EU leadership and as an important part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of China-EU ties, will inject new momentum to the bilateral relationship.

"During the visit to the EU headquarters, Li will hold discussions with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker about new ways to expand China-EU cooperation. The leaders will also hold talks over international and regional issues."Li will also meet the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, address the opening ceremony of a China-EU business summit, and attend a forum on China-EU urbanization partnership.

According to Wang Chao, China and the EU will issue a document to outline their future cooperation priorities and a statement on climate change.

The two sides are also expected to sign cooperation deals on regional policies, intellectual property rights, customs and technological innovation.

The EU has been China's largest trading partner for 11 years while China has been the EU's second largest trading partner for 12 years. Their bilateral trade exceeded 600 billion U.S. dollars last year.

Wang Chao says the two sides will strengthen coordination on trade and investment policies through the meeting.

"Both of the reforms in China and Europe are at crucial stage. The two sides will try to connect each other's development strategies, such as China's Belt and Road initiative and Europe's investment-oriented Juncker Plan, to further unleash potential of cooperation and boost the bilateral partnership to a higher level."Li will also become the first Chinese premier to visit France in nearly a decade.

Besides Paris, he will also set foot in Marseille and Toulouze.

During his stay, China and France will sign deals covering nuclear energy, aviation, finance, agriculture and health care, while a joint statement on third-party market cooperation and a joint statement on civil nuclear energy cooperation are to be issued.

Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen.

"China and France will encourage joint development, joint investment, joint manufacturing and joint research between their enterprises, through which the companies can combine forces to strengthen competitiveness when joining hands to explore a third-party market."As Wang Chao announced, China and Belgium will sign cooperation deals on finance, telecommunication, technology and education after the talks between Li and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

This is also the first meeting between the two heads of government since the new Belgian government took office last October.

And in his speech to the OECD, Li will elaborate on China's stance on development issues.

It's being reported that China and the OECD are formulating a cooperation vision and cross-year action plan.

For CRI, I'm Luo Wen.

China criticizes US human rights record in annual reportAnchor:

The Chinese government has released a new report on the state of Human Rights in the United States.

The new study by the State Council, China's Cabinent, coincides with the annual Human Rights report released by the US State Department.

CRI's Luo Bin reports.

Reporter:

China's report states the US side continues to make analysis of the human rights situations in numerous countries around the world, while showing no regret or intention to improve its own human rights record.

Chang Jian, Deputy Director of Nankai University's Human Rights Research Center, says that in releasing the report, the US government is using human rights as a tool to try to advance its own international political agenda.

"The report is always giving credit to courtiers that have consistent values with the United States, but then attacks others which do not have the same values. Generally, the report is negative when it comes to China's human rights. Although China has made improvements in its human rights record in recent years, the report just ignores them. The biggest problem here is that US is using human rights issues as a tool for its political ambitions. This is not a good thing for global human rights development."Liu Huawen with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says what the US is doing is "behind the times" and "unwelcome", and should be abandoned.

"On the one hand, the US cannot face up to its long-standing problem with gun violence, police brutality and racial discrimination. Internationally, it delays the approval of the United Nations "International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights", as well as the "Convention on the Rights of the Child." The US always has a complicated attitude when it comes to the UN human rights mechanisms. On the other hand, each year it releases a report on the human rights situations of other countries, and views itself as a judge or vigilante, ignores thee achievements made in those countries and judges and criticize others, causing a lot of resentment."The Chinese report points out that US authorities executed a Mexican citizen in April of last year without granting him access to consular assistance.

The Chinese side notes this should be viewed as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

China's report also notes the US has been caught spying on several countries around the world.

It lists the interception of phone conversations of 35 world leaders, the stealing of encrypted information of government organs in other countries and the collection program of mobile phone messages across the globe.

For CRI, I'm Luo Bin.

China to further reform capital market to better serve real economic activitiesAnchor:

It is being reported that China will strive to establish a multiple-tiered capital market, in a bid to better serve real economic activities and boost innovations and entrepreneurship.

CRI's Wang Wei has more.

Reporter:

The announcement was made by China's top securities regulator at Lujiazui Forum 2015 that opened Friday in Shanghai.

Government officials, economists and corporate executives gathered at the two-day forum to provide advice for the country's financial sector.

Xiao Gang, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission or CSRC, points out that the country's capital market reform will focus on building a multi-level market system.

"We will open a capital-raising pilot with crowd funding model in order to offer new equity financing channels for innovating businesses. We will further push the growth of private market to offer more capital for them. The venture investment mechanism will be improved by expanding venture capital and angel investment, to attract more private capital to flow into the field of technology and innovation."To achieve the goal, Xiao says that securities industry will also reinforce innovation on products, services and business models.

Currently, the country has about five hundred companies listed on ChiNext, China's Nasdaq-style board, aiming to attract innovative and fast-growing enterprises.

High technology enterprises account for 90 percent of all the ChiNext listed companies.

However, according to Xiao, the country's capital market is not competent enough to serve innovative and high-tech businesses.

"The current capital market system is not capable enough to serve China's 15 million medium and small size enterprises, with limited coverage. The venture capital system is not perfect enough, and it's still difficult for start-ups to obtain financing due to lack of angel investment and venture investment. Moreover, better legal system and stock equity culture are badly in need to make the capital market play better role in serving high technology and innovating enterprises."Usually social capital is reluctant to invest on start-up companies due to their high risks and more uncertainties.

However, under the multiple-tiered capital market, Xiao says the boost of venture investment will definitely be a very good solution.

"Innovating businesses in the early stages usually have small capital funds, with features of high risk and high investment. The development of venture investment like Angel capital can remedy the limitations of traditional bank financing and create more new jobs."CSRC also vows to further diversify, and provide tailored products and services to support the growth of startups in technology and strategic industries.

Increasing the convertibility of the Chinese currency, and to further raise the status of the yuan on the global market are also among the many topics at the forum.

First launched in 2008, Lujiazui Forum is a top level platform to solicit suggestions for China's finance sector and Shanghai's construction into a global financial center.

For CRI, I'm Wang Wei.

Same-sex Marriage Legal in All 50 States Across USAnchor:

The Supreme Court of the United States has issued a landmark ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, legalizing these unions in all 50 states across the country.

CRI's He Fei reports from Washington.

Reporter:

Hundreds gathered in front of the Supreme Court in downtown Washington D.C. to celebrate the court's landmark legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 US states.

The justices split along the usual ideological lines in a 5-4 ruling which holds that states cannot deny same-sex couples the marriage rights by opposite-sex couples.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote on the court who sided with its liberal wing in this decision, said in his 28-page ruling that same sex couples ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law, adding that the constitution grants them that right.

President Barack Obama called the historic decision as a big step in America's march toward full equality.

"In doing so, they've reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection from the law, that our people should be treated equally regardless of who they are or who they are."A total of 36 states permitted same-sex couples to get married before this ruling, covering roughly 70 percent of the US population. Today's ruling means the bans must end in the other 14 states. It is in 2003, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and the controversy finally comes to a legal end after more than two decades.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Obama said that social progress sometimes is sometimes slow but that change is always possible.

"Today should also gave us hope that on the many issues which we regretful, often painful, real change is possible. Shifts in hearts and minds is possible."Hundreds of supporters crowded at the Supreme Court waving the rainbow flag which represents the LGBT community. People were seen getting very emotional, cheering bursting into tears.

One of the plaintiff's in the case, Jim Obergefell, got a call from the President who thanked him for his leadership that caused this monumental change for the country.

Speaking to the crowds outside the Supreme Court, the plaintiff says this ruling "affirms that millions of people across the country already know to be true in our hearts: our love is equal."For CRI, I'm He Fei reporting from Washington.

Chinese Doctors Bring Brightness Back to Botswana Cataract PatientsAnchor:

A team of Chinese ophthalmologists in Botswana will provide 500 free cataract removal operations this month, as part of this year's "Brightness Action" campaign.

CRI's Liu Yuanhui reports from Botswana.

Report:

Botswana performers sing a local song to celebrate that group of cataract patients can see clearly after the gauze on their eyes was removed on Thursday.

"Two years ago, I cannot see very clearly. Yesterday, they did the operation, after the operation, they take this (the gauze) out, I can see clearly now. Clearly."Due to cataracts, 62-year-old Fith Malebe was half-blind. Now she has full sight. Fith is one of those who recently received free operations by Chinese doctors in the Brightness Action Campaign launched by the Chinese government in the Scottish Livingston Hospital in Melopolole, Botswana's biggest village.

Eleven ophthalmologists from China are providing surgeries for local patients from June 17th. They are going to carry out around 500 cases of free cataract operations and help them see the world again.

Hao Yansheng, a professor from Peking University Third Hospital, says doing surgeries in Botswana is more of a challenge than in China.

"Most of cataract patients here are with hypermature cataracts. They have missed the best time to cure them; some patients would have become permanently blind if they didn't have immediate operations. In addition, Botswana has the second-highest HIV rate in the world, so we are taking the potential risk of contracting HIV while doing operations and the top priority is taking care of ourselves."According to Professor Hao, over 350 operations have been completed so far. The team also provides training to the local doctors on how to conduct the operations.

For Zhang Xiaoxia, a nurse from Fujian Provincial Hospital, this is her second time to take part in the campaign.

"Many local patients don't speak English but rather their own language, so we learned many necessary words of their languages like 'open or close your eyes' and 'don't move'. At first, it was hard to cooperate with local nurses because of the different working style, but now it's getting better."Besides the campaign, the Chinese government also donates medical equipment, devices, drugs and consumables, worth of more than 1 million US dollars to Botswana.

Alfred Madigele, Assistant Minister of Health in Bostwana described the campaign.

"This campaign comes at a time when we are experiencing a high cataract backlog in our country, and this will in no doubt take us closer to the reduction of preventable blindness."Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, believes that the campaign definitely benefits hundreds of Botswana people and pushes bilateral relations to a higher level.

"The Chinese government expects to bring brightness back to more Botswana cataracts patients, to push forward the development of public health in Botswana, and to demonstrate the goodwill and love of Chinese people for Botswana people."In Botswana, statistics show that the prevalence of blindness is 5.4% among people aged 50 years and above, and there are about 4,000 cataract patients waiting to do operations.

In 2011, the first Brightness Action Campaign in Botswana provided more than 200 operations.

For CRI, this is Liu Yuanhui reporting in Melopolole, Botswana.

China holds exercise on emergency response on nuclear accidentsChina's National Nuclear Emergency Response Center has held an exercise on emergency response on nuclear accidents.

The exercise, code named Shendun-2015, aimed to simulate the response to a simulated accident in a nuclear plant.

Yao Bin is the deputy of National Nuclear Emergency Response Center:

"For this simulated accident, we designed such scenario that the emergency response was launched as a nuclear plant showed abnormal signs, soon an earthquake rocked the place and caused power cut-off outside the plant, followed by diesel engine breaking down, leading to radioactive substance leakage."In dealing the accident, the emergency commanding headquarters gathered experts from 27 accident related departments to discuss a rescue scheme at the Nuclear Emergency Center.

Via a surveillance screen, the headquarters was able to contact and direct rescue teams at various levels.

Professional rescue teams, traffic departments, medical groups and other related departments were also summoned in to tackle the simulated accident.

Chinese tourists make record high visits to Thailand in Jan-MayNew stats show Chinese tourists made a record 3.3 million visits to Thailand between January and May of this year.

This accounts for one-quarter of all foreign tourists entering the country through the period.

The rise in the number of Chinese tourists is also creating a rise in the number of travel complaints among Chinese tourists, as more and more of them are said to be being targeted by thieves and unscrupulous travel companies.

China's ambassador to Thailand, Ning Fukui, says they're hoping the Thai authorities will do more to try to prevent this.

"Thailand should be taking more active measures to prevent people from being cheated. At the same time, we'd like to see Thai authorities offer better package tours to ensure Chinese tourists can enjoy better services."Thai tourism authorities estimate around 6-million Chinese nationals will visit Thailand this year.

Chinese travel to Thailand has been on the rise in recent years, in part because of cheaper costs, as well as the popularity of the Chinese film "Lost in Thailand," which sparked renewed interest in the country.

weatherBeijing, a mix of cloud and mist today with a high of 31 degrees Celsius; tonight cloudy with a low of 21.

Shanghai will see heavy rain today with a high of 25 and a low of 23 degrees Celsius.

Chongqing will be cloudy with a high of 31, and tonight will have a low of 28 degrees Celsius.

Lhasa will have showers with a high of 25 and a low of 11 degrees Celsius.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Islamabad, cloudy, 38.

Kabul, also cloudy, 29.

Over in North America,New York will see moderate rain with a high of 25 degrees Celsius.

Washington DC, also rainy, 24.

Honolulu, slight rain, 29.

Toronto, also wet, with a high of 20.

In South America,Buenos Aires will be rainy with a high of 19.

And Rio de Janeiro, rainy to cloudy, with a high of 23 degrees celcius.

Headline newsUpdates on Friday's Terrorist Attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait, FranceFriday has seen a string of deadly terrorist attacks in north Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

In Tunisia, a gunman disguised as a tourist opened fire at a hotel in Sousse, killing at least 37 people and injuring 36.

The gunman was shot dead by police at the scene. 　On the same day in Kuwait, 25 people were killed in a suicide bomb strike on a Shiite Muslim mosque when a large number of Muslims were in the middle of midday prayers.

At least 202 others were wounded.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for that attack.

In France, an attack against a gas factory near Lyon also left one person beheaded and several others injured.

It is not yet known whether the attacks were coordinated.

But just a few days ago, IS called for such operations during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

China eyes leap in EU ties through Li's upcoming visitChinese Premier Li Keqiang is set to visit the European Union from June 28 to July 2.

During his five-day visit, Li Keqiang will attend the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, the first since the change in EU leadership.

Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said China and the EU will issue a document to outline their future cooperation priorities and a statement on climate change.

The two sides are also expected to sign cooperation deals on regional policies, intellectual property rights, customs and technological innovation.

Li Keqiang will also pay an official visit to France and visit the headquarters of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris.

China opposes U.S. human rights reportThe Chinese government has issued a new set of statements, blasting the US government for interfering in China's internal affairs with its annual human rights report.

The Foreign Ministry has issued a statement, saying comments in the US report about China ignore the facts and are full of prejudice.

The new comments from the Chinese government follow the release of a Chinese government report which has taken aim at the United States' record at human rights.

That report notes the US continues to be mired in gun-related deaths, and suggests the US is continuing to struggle with institutional racism.

Key issues still hindering progress in Iran nuclear talksIranian negotiator Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that major problems are still hindering progress in nuclear talks for a deal on Iran's nuclear program.

He also said Iran and the world powers are trying to reach the deal before June 30 and have no plan to extend the talks beyond the deadline.

Weekly Biz RoundupAnchor:

It's time to take a look back at some of the headlines from the business world this past week in our Weekly Business Review.

The 7th round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue wrapped up on Wednesday in Washington, with a bilateral investment put high on the agenda.

China decided to get rid of its 75% loan-to-deposit ratio requirement, giving more freedom to banks.

And it is being reported that Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become China's top oil supplier.

On Friday, HSBC announced that it will stop cooperation with Markit to release China's monthly PMI data.

Let's catch up on all of that and more with CRI's Wenjie.

Reporter:

Two days of high-level talks in this year's China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue came to an end in Washington on Wednesday, with over 70 different agreements worked out in different fields.

On the economic front, talks connected to a bilateral investment treaty have been high on the agenda.

Among the discussions, both sides say they plan to hand over their 2nd offers on theirrespective 'negative lists' sometime in early September.

Stephen Orlins, President of National Committee on United States-China Relations, talks about the benefits China's investment could bring to the U.S.

"I wanted the congress and the American people to understand how many jobs are depended upon Chinese investment in the United States, and what the report tells us is more than 80,000, direct jobs."The swapping of "negative lists" is viewed as one of the final steps toward the creation of a bilateral investment treaty.

China will put more momentum behind its "Internet Plus" drive, which aims to integrate the Internet and industry while encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.

China's State Council, the cabinet, on Wednesday said the campaign is very important in creating a new engine for economic growth.

An Internet Plus guideline was approved at the meeting.

It maps development targets and supportive measures for sectors which the cabinet hopes can establish new industrial modes, including agriculture, energy, finance, public services, logistics, e-commerce, traffic, biology and artificial intelligence.

The Chinese government has announced plans to set up a national investment fund for insurance.

The State Council has announced the fund will be given money of 300 billion yuan or close to 50-billion US dollars.

On Friday, Liang Tao from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, elaborates the fund's two purposes.

"Basically, we have two major considerations. One is to use it as a direct investment fund, which aims to meet the market demand of economic reform strategies. Secondly, it will act as an initial fund involved in shanty town revamping, major infrastructure building, water conservancy projects and the country's 'Belt and Road' initiatives."The new fund will be established as a stand-alone company, and will raise funds through bonds and the equity markets.

It will provide an opportunity for companies to obtain insurance on projects that individual insurance companies might not have been interested in investing in.

The State Council has approved a draft amendment to China's Banking Law.

The amendment removes the 75 percent loan-to-deposit ratio, giving banks more freedom to lend.

Under the outgoing law, for every equivalent of a dollar deposited in a Chinese bank, only 75 cents worth of it could be used to lend.

Victor Gao, Chair of the China Energy Security Institute, says the removal could allow banks to manage their risks in a new manner.

"The 75% loan-to-deposit ratio has been used for the government as risk management and risk control tool to prevent, for example, the build-up of too many risks in commercial banks. I think this time, the intention is to enable commercial banks to be smarter in managing their risks, rather than being strait-jacketed by this criteria posted by the regulators of commercial banks."Authorities say this will make it easier for banks to lend to the agriculture and small business sectors.

It is being reported on Friday that HSBC is ending its 5-year collaboration with information firm Markit when it comes to publishing its Purchasing Managers Index in China.

HSBC is also ending its deal with Markit in other emerging markets.

Observers are suggesting the move may be a result of sluggish growth within HSBC itself.

The bank has already announced it's planning to slash 50-thousand jobs worldwide.

HSBC/Markit produces its own PMI data every month ahead of the official stats from the Chinese authorities.

Those figures are taken from a much smaller sample of company surveys than the official stats in China.

Also in the banking sector,Bank of China has denied receiving any formal documents from Italian prosecutors about alleged money laundering at its Milan branch.

This was announced in an official statement from the bank on Wednesday.

It's been reported Bank of China and around 300 individuals, mostly Chinese nationals, are accused in the illegal transfer of around 5-billion US dollars to China.

Italian prosecutors say around half of all the transfers were conducted between 2006 and 2010 via the bank's Milan Branch.

Bank of China is promising to respond to any formal request from Italian authorities and cooperate with the Italian government in any forthcoming probe.

In the stock market,On Friday, mainland shares saw their largest one-day drop since the 2008 financial crisis, with all he major benchmarks declining over 7-percent.

Communications, the Internet, medical care and transport sectors were the biggest losers, as concerns over market overvaluation mount.

The rapid influx of new IPO's this week was also being blamed, as traders moved money from their existing portfolios into the new offerings.

A new report suggests the Chinese market is going to come out as the world's most active IPO market for the first half of this year.

It is being reported that Russia has surpassed Saudi Arabia to become China's largest supplier of oil, cited the new stats from China Customs on Wednesday.

In May, Russia accounted for around one-third of all of China's oil imports, reaching nearly 4 million tons. That was a 20-percent rise from the previous month.

At the same time, it's being reported oil supplies from Saudi Arabia slumped by over 40-percent to some 3 million tons in May.

Professor Liu Baocheng at the University of International Business and Economics based in Beijing talks about Russia's shifting strategy.

"Russia has been under economic pressure because of sanctions imposed by Europe and the US, and more than 50% of its revenue comes from the export of oil and gas. Therefore, they have to look to new alternatives and place priorities on expanding the Asian market."Observers are also suggesting the rise is being driven by increasing oil deals between the two countries, as well as Russia's acceptance of the Chinese yuan in its oil deals.

On the corporate front,Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial Services Group launched its Internet Bank Mybank on Thursday.

The online lender will offer loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Yu Shengfa, president of MYbank says big data will be playing a key role in the bank.

"The loan limit to customers will be based on our big data model. Alibaba and Ant Financial have collected a huge database of customers' transactions. We will analyze the data, and evaluate the credibility of customers."As one of the first five private banks approved by China's Banking Regulatory Commission, MYbank has 4 billion yuan, or 644 million US dollars, of registered capital.

And that concludes this edition of the weekly business review; I'm wenjie, thank you for listening.

SportsWomen's World Cup PreviewIn football action from Women's World Cup in Canada,Germany and France drew 1-1 in their quarter-final match earlier in the morning.

On the pitch now,China is playing USA for a place in the semi-final at the tournament.(scores live)The winner of the game will next face either top-ranked Germany or No. 3 France.

The last time China played the United States in the Women's World Cup was in the 1999 final, when the Americans won on penalties for their second world title.

The United States has a 24-game unbeaten streak against China dating to 2003.

On Sunday,England will play hosts Canada.

England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain offered these thoughts on the coming game.

"I mean, to play the host nation in a quarter-final in front of 55-thousand people is just incredible. It's kind of what you dream of when you're younger, really. If you want to go to a World Cup, you want to play in front of the big crowds and the atmosphere at BC Place on Saturday will be electric and yeah, there won't be many people in there supporting us, but hopefully we can go in there and put on a great performance and maybe the Canadians will be supporting us afterwards."　The game kicked off at 7:30 a.m., Beijing time.

Chinese Super League PreviewIn football action from the Chinese Super League,Round 16 is to kick off tonight, with three games on the schedule,Third place Shanghai SIPG will play Jiangsu SaintyShandong Luneng will play Changchun Yatai.

And Liaoning Whowin will play struggling Guizhou Renhe.

Tomorrow,League leaders Guangzhou Evergrande will be on the pitch against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright.

Guangzhou is now on top of the leaderboard on goal differential halfway through the season.

China Beat Lithuania 70-67 in International FriendlyIn Basketball,China beat Lithuania 70-67 for their second straight victory in the three-game friendly series last night in Guangzhou.

Former NBA player Yi Jianlian had a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds in the game.

This is also China's 5th friendly game win this summer.

The third and last game of this series is scheduled for Sunday in central China's Changsha city.

Tennis: Djokovic Talks Ahead of Wimbledon, Tennis RecapIn tennis,World number one Novak Djokovic has defeated Richard Gasquet in an exhibition match at the Boodles tournament ahead of Wimbledon.

It was his first match on a grass court this season.

Djokovic, who was runner-up at the French Open earlier this month, is hoping to do better.

"Well, I do have always high expectations of myself... I've won it a couple of times already in my career, so... you know, I have to be honest and say yes, I'm going to Wimbledon with an intention and desire to win the title, but I'm not the only one. There are 128 players in the draw who are competing to win this most prestigious trophy we have in the sport."At the Nottingham Open,Sam Querrey knocked out Alexandr Dolgopolov 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the final of the tournament on Friday.

His next opponent is Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan.

On the women's action from the Eastbourne Open,Belinda Bencic reached the final after Caroline Wozniacki had to retire due to injury when trailing 3-0 in the first set.

Swiss teenager Bencic will now face ninth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who edged out America's Sloane Stephens 6-1, 7-3, 6-2.

In women's doubles,Chinese veteran Zheng Jie and her partner Chan Yung-Jan got a place in the final via walkover.

Next off for them are Caroline Garcia of France and Katarina Srebotnik from Slovenia.

Serbia beat Italy 3-1 in World Volleyball LeagueIn volleyball,Serbia beat Italy 3-1 in their World Volleyball League Pool A match in Novi Sad on Friday.

Aleksandar Atanasijevic led the Serbia attack with 15 points, with Nemanja Petric in close support with 14.

It was Serbia's sixth win over Italy in eight meetings in major competitions.

The victory gives Serbia a 5-4 record in Pool A, taking them above the Italians into second place behind Brazil.

In other action,USA shut out Russia 3-nil.

Iran beat Poland 3-2.

And France blanked Japan 3-nil.

NHL:Mike Fisher Signs 2-year Deal with the Nashville PredatorsIn off-ice NHL news,The Nashville Predators have announced the signing of veteran center Mike Fisher to a two year, 8.8 million dollar deal on Friday.

Fisher will make 4.8 million next season and 4 million in the final year of the deal.

The 35-year-old has 78 goals and 94 assists in 271 games with Nashville since the Predators acquired him from the Ottawa Senators in February 2011.

Fisher has been a full-time alternate captain for the Predators the last three seasons.

Joe Joyce Claimed Title at European GamesGreat Britain's Joe Joyce clinched the gold medal in the men's super heavyweight boxing final at the European Games on Friday.

The 29-year-old Joyce has this to say about the game.

"Yeah, just the usual. Watching the shots coming over the top, and I was trying to get quite a fast start, and watching out for those counters, and stuff, and I wanted to go to work early and get a good round. I think when I came back to the corner though, I was a round down wasn't I, after the first round? So it was a bit of a slower start than I'd expected, that I wanted."The gold medal in light welterweight went to Russian Anastasiia Beliakova.

Russia also wrapped up the titles in both women's and men's 3 x 3 basketball team event.

MLB: Orioles host Indians in BaltimoreLooking at some Major League Baseball action happening now:

The Baltimore Orioles are hosting the Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards [update score.]

[update more scores live.]

EntertainmentJon Hamm and Allison Janney react to SCOTUS ruling on gay marriageAllison Janney and Jon Hamm were among the many celebrities praising the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage.

The actors were promoting their roles in the animated spinoff "Minions" in Santa Monica, California.

Allison Janney said he felt happy about the ruling decision.

"I tweeted 'Love prevails no matter what,' is what I tweeted. Because I just believe in that. What a great decision the Supreme Court came to today. It's a wonderful day to celebrate. It's extraordinary. I couldn't be happier. For all of my gay friends, for anyone who loves someone and has the right to be with them, it's a great day."Jon Hamm noted that he was intentionally not married to actress-director Jennifer Westfeldt despite their long relationship, but said all those who did choose to marry should have that right.

"Incredibly happy that the right decision was made. Very, very thrilled. A good friend of ours was one of the litigators on the California Supreme Court decision. And then when it went to the Supreme Court, he got to argue it in front of the Supreme Court as well. So we have been supporters of this particular issue for quite some time. Jenn and I are not married. And, but we act as if -- in many ways.

And he's happy that everyone now finally gets the choice to get married.

Jimmy Fallon injures hand; cancels Friday taping of 'The Tonight Show'

"Tonight" show host Jimmy Fallon is on the shelf following a hand injury that required minor surgery and forced NBC to cancel a taping of late-night TV's most popular program.

The "Tonight" show tweeted that Fallon is "totally fine" but NBC offered no immediate details on how or where the 40-year-old comic was injured.

He'll have some recovery time since the show was scheduled to be on hiatus for the next two weeks anyway.

"Tonight" was supposed to have Benicio Del Toro, Taylor Kitsch and Penn & Teller as guests Friday.

NBC is airing a rerun instead.

New Happy Potter Play to Be Staged in London in 2016Best-selling author J.K. Rowling has made a surprise announcement, saying a stage adaptation of Happy Potter will be staged in London next year.

The play will be titled "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child".

Rowling's announcement via social media coincides with 18th anniversary of the first publication of her "Harry Potter" books in the UK.

Rowling says the play will be a new story.

She hasn't revealed much more, other than to say it won't be a prequel to the existing story line.

Director Sarah Lewis on her 19 year documentary project 'CUTS'

Australian filmmaker Sarah Lewis is bringing the story of Cutsto the big screen.

Cut, the iconic London hair salon is often credited with giving British music stars of the 1980s their cutting edge look.

Since opening in 1984, Cuts has attracted a varied celebrity clientele - including David Bowie, Sean Penn, Boy George, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Intrigued by its cult status and celebrity connections, Lewis decided to chart the comings and goings at the Soho institution.

Lewis explains she understands why it become such a hub for celebrities and artists after spending so much time on the salon.

"'Cuts, it really is about the surrounding culture in London also, and people resonate with that, they want to be part of it and they just kind of come in and connect with like-minded people. So, there were a lot of people who came here from before they were well known and then their careers took off and they stayed loyal to the place, because they love the people who work here."Although Lewis has finished filming, the documentary is still not quite complete.

She hopes to raise the last fund she needs to get it finished through a crowdfunding campaign.

That’s it for this weekend edition of the Beijing Hour.

A recap of your headlines:

37 people are reported dead in a terrorist attack on a Tunisian hotel...

Islamic State claiming responsibility for an attack on a mosque in Kuwait that has left 16 dead and dozens more wounded...

And the US Supreme Court issuing a landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states...

In our weekly buisness review... The 7th round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue wrapping up on Wednesday..

On behalf of the Beijing Hour staffers, Spencer Musick in Beijing hoping you'll join us for our next edition of the Beijing Hour to open a window to the world together.