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

Coming up on our program this morning...

Typhoon Soudalor is being blamed for at least 14 deaths here on the mainland.

Chinese people in Sweden have taken time to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Mayor of Nagasaki has used the 70th anniversary of his city's atomic bombing to question the Japanese government's new defense policies.

In Business... CPI for this past month comes in slightly higher.

In Sports... China's Sun Yang pulls out of the 15-hundred meter freestyle with heart concerns.

In entertainment.... the latest Mission Impossible film still continuing to draw in big bucks.

Top NewsTyphoon Soudelor kills 14 in ZhejiangFormer Typhoon Soludelor is now burning itself out over Hubei.

The storm, which pounded Taiwan and the mainland over the weekend, has left 14 dead and 4 others missing in Zhejiang.

Zhu Dingzhen with the China Meteorological Administration says the reminants of Soudelor is still bringing heavy rains to certian parts of the region.

"The landfall of Soudelor on the Chinese mainland may bring continued and heavy rain storms. The total rainfall in some region could reach 500mm and will last around 10-15 hours. The heavy storm will affect large parts of the coastal region. For those that have suffered flooding, they should strengthen their flood control capability."Soudelor has already left at least 1.4-million households without power.

The storm rolled over Taiwan on Saturday, leaving 6 dead and over 100 others hurt.

"Almost every tree fell and pavement collapsed. The worst of all is salt-water encroachment near the fishing grounds."Soludelor is the largest Typhoon of the year.

At one point, it was packing winds of 290-kilometers per hour.

Overseas Chinese in Sweden Mark 70th Anniversary of Victory of Anti-fascist WarAnchorChinese nationals in Sweden have taken time to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with a ceremony in Stockholm.

CRI's Chen Xuefei has more.

AnnBeautiful blue sky and sunshine has greeted the festivities in Stockholm.

Ye Peiqun, Executive Chair of the Swedish Chinese Federation, says people need to remember why the anniversary is important.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in the anti-fascist and anti-Japanese wars. This was a victory that mankind defeated evil. The brightness defeated the darkness. This is a time that all the Chinese people should remember. All those who love peace in the world should remember."The commemoration has included a series of speeches and stage performances include singing, dancing, Peking Opera and Kungfu.

A photography exhibition about the war has also been held.

Chinese artists Man Weiqi and Lu Dayou were there to show off their paintings.

Chinese Ambassador Chen Yuming was also on-hand to see the ceremony come to an end, which concluded with the song "Hand In Hand."For CRI, this is Chen Xuefei reporting from Stockholm.

Japan Marks 70th Anniversary of Nagasaki BombingAnchorThe mayor of the Japanese city of Nagasaki has used the 70th anniversary of atomic bombing of the city to issue a warning to the Japanese government about its current defense policies.

CRI's Victor Ning has more.

ReporterThe bells rang in a memorial ceremony on Sunday at the Nagasaki Peace Park, the same location where the bomb exploded in 1945 seventy years ago.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the ceremony.

During his remarks, Abe iterated his commitment to nuclear disarmament, referring to Japan's three non-nuclear principles. Those principles were included in a Japanese parliament resolution in the late 1960s, which has forbidden Japan from possessing, manufacturing or allowing nuclear weapons in its territory.

Kim Won-soo, a UN representative, also attended the ceremony. He spoke on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, delivering Ban's words and resolve in nuclear disarmament.

"Nagasaki must be the last. We cannot allow the future use of any nuclear weapons. Their humanitarian consequences are too great. I whole-heartedly join you in sounding a global rallying cry: 'No More Nagasakis, No More Hiroshimas'."On August 6th, 1945, US forces dropped an atomic bomb codenamed "Little Boy" on Japan's Hiroshima.

Three days later, another atomic bomb nicknamed "Fat Man"was dropped on Nagasaki, also by the US.

Six days later, Japan unconditionally surrendered, ending WWII.

About 140,000 died in Hiroshima, while an estimated 150,000 died in Nagasaki.

In attendance on Sunday were also survivors of the Nagasaki bombing. One survivor said the memories of the event still haunted her.

"I would never ever want war to happen again. When I remember the atomic bomb, it still makes me tremble."Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue emphasized that the peaceful path Japan has pursued in the past 7 decades should never be changed for the sake of Nagasaki.

During his speech, Tomihisa Taue also urged the government to dispel public concerns over new security bills, which theoretically allow Japan's Self- Defense Forces to help its allies transport nuclear weapons for logistics support.

"Currently there is a debate in our parliament over laws that will change the nature of our national security. There is also growing worry and concern that our resolve from 70 years ago, the ideal of our peace constitution, is starting to waver. I ask that the government and parliament listen to the worries and concerns of the people and debate this using their wisdom in a careful and in a sincere manner."In recent months, the Abe administration has heralded a series of controversial and unpopular security bills that would expand the role of the Japanese military beyond self-defense.

Recent polls also showed that the majority of Japanese population are opposed to the bills.

Thee supporting rate for Abe's cabinet dived around 10 percentage points immediately after the ruling bloc rammed the bills through the Diet's lower house in July.

For CRI, I'm Victor Ning.

Most Sunglasses for Kids Failed Test in ChinaAnchorA new investigation has revealed that virtually all of the sunglasses which are produced for children in China are failing inspections.

CRI's Min Rui has more.

ReporterAn expose done by China Central Television has revealed 9 out of 10 sunglasses made for kids are not up to standard.

Zhou Tianyi, a quality supervisor with the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision, says parents need to be more careful.

"Most people are focusing on the sunglasses' look, whether it's fashionable or colorful. As for the sales location and vender, there are so many. However most of them don't have professional knowledge. Usually they sell them as toys or accessories to children instead of optical lenses, regardless the safety issues."An International Standard for Organization, or ISO, for sunglasses does not exist.

Hu Dongfang, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Optometric & Optical Association, says its this loophole that's allowing poor quality children's eyewear to flood the market.

"Because of the sales surge, more children's sunglasses are being sold, and vendors are aware of the loophole in the market. That's why they've been exploiting the advantage."Experts note toddlers and teenagers are more prone to UV radiation than adults.

Ye Jiayi with the National Inspection and Testing Center for Ophthalmic Products says some of the sunglasses being sold may even be detrimental to children's eyes.

"Some consumers could end up having blurry vision or fatigue after wearing the sunglasses with poor quality."According to the report, most of the colorful shades failed the optics tests.

Sun Huanbao with the national Ophthalogy testing institute says there is also a risk of color blindness.

"If the glasses failed the test, it could mean that children may see colors differently through the glasses. This could potentially lead to them not being able to identify the color of a traffic light. This could pose a threat to traffic safety."Quality supervisor Zhou Tianyi says parents need to be more aware of what they're buying.

"Of the 39 products we tested, 38 of them don't have safety warnings. These glasses are meant for kids. So if the product doesn't have instructions and requirements for special use, parents won't know how to use them properly. It could be possible to harm a child."Doctors are suggesting that children under the age of 6 don't wear sunglasses.

For CRI, I'm Min Rui.

Good Samaritan Law Expected to Play Bigger RoleAnchorA new debate is underway in China about the creation of a nation-wide Good Samaritan law to protect people who want to help others.

It comes after an incident involving a young student and an elderly man this past month in Sichuan.

CRI's Yu Yang reports.

ReporterYang Chunyu says he can still remember exactly what happened.

"I saw the old man sitting on the ground with his bike laying on the ground, with all his belongings scattered around him. He covered his face with his hands, and appeared to be in pain. So.. I though I should help him."However, people who saw the incident soon saw a different scenario.

"The old man refused to let the boy go, alleging the boy had crashed into him.""I saw the boy wiping away his tears, while the elder held the boy's bike and accused the boy of knocking him down."The old man had been demanding compensation from Yang Chunyu.

Authorities later figured out the old man was trying to run a scam after reviewing video surveillance.

This incident has sparked a new debate about morality here in China about protecting people who only want to try to help.

A few years back, a person in Nanjing was ordered to pay 45-thousand yuan for an old woman who claimed he hurt her, even though he claims he was just trying to help her.

The courts ruled against him.

Lawyer Zheng Xueqian says the creation of a Good Samaritan law should help.

"When a code of conduct appears not enough to prevent unethical behaviors from happening once and again, it's time for the law to stand out."It's being suggested a Good Samaritan law will offer legal protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated.

Zheng Xueqian says its creation would also stop people from trying to run scams.

"In Singapore, injured people who try to extort money from those who try to help them will face fines of 3-times the expenses of their injuries. They may even face lawsuits in some cases."So far, the city of Shenzhen is the only city in China with a Good Samaritan law.

Under that legislation, anyone who wants to claim compensation needs to collect evidence first.

Similar laws are being drafted in Beijing and the province of Henan.

For CRI, I'm Yu Yang.

Guangdong Embroidery struggling to survive in modernityAnchorA push is underway in Guangdong to try to preserve the traditional art of embroidery, which has been part of the southern Chinese culture for around a thousand years.

CRI's Guo Yan has more.

ReporterXu Chiguang was born into a family of embroiderers in the city of Guangzhou. The 84-year-old first learned the skill from his father and grandfather when he was six years old.

Since then, the folk art has been an indispensable part of his life and helped him and his family survive through difficult times.

Ten years after he retired, Xu was invited to work as an instructor in an embroidery factory.

He said local factories tried to revive the traditional craft into a viable industry.

"In 2003, the factory gathered me and six other masters to complete this piece of work as an attempt to revive the traditional industry. Since then, the folk art is starting to regain its fame little by little, after decades of neglect."Flowers, fruit and birds are the most common subjects captured by Guangdong embroidery.

A piece of Guangdong embroidery usually takes two or three artisans for several months to as long as a year to finish.

The complicated embroidery process means that production can't be rushed.

Zhang Baohong, director of Guangdong Embroidery Handicraft Factory, says the work pattern is more like a workshop, rather than a highly-efficient production line.

Since each embroidery piece is handmade, the annual output is no more than a few dozen pieces.

Zhang says that it's tough to reap huge profits from embroidery, despite the high sales price for each handmade piece.

"The tangible costs of the embroideries are the thread, the needles and, above all, the time spent on the work. The time is priceless and is a major factor in deciding the final price. The sales price gives the false impression that we're making huge profits, which makes us pay heavy taxes."Another difficulty in restarting an embroidery boom is finding the people to actually handcraft the pieces.

The number of artisans working in an embroidery workshop is no more than a dozen, and only those who are truly passionate about the folk art stay for a long time.

Liang Shuping, an artisan at the Guangdong Embroidery Handicraft Factory, says local people seldom choose the folk art as a career.

"At first, my family was opposed to me doing this because they thought the traditional art was not promising. It was only after I insisted that they changed their attitudes. But still, I'm the only one among my friends who has chosen this as a career,"But the factory isn't giving up.

It is asking local artists for permission to create embroidery depicting the designs of these artists' works to attract more customers. But as Xu said, it is still going to take some time to restore this folk art to its past glory.

For CRI I'm Guo Yan.

China's Achievements on Climate ChangeAnchorWith the Paris Climate Change Conference coming up at the end of this year, we're going to be bringing you a series of reports about what's being done here in China to combat the issue.

CRI's Niu Honglin with some of the steps being taken to try to deal with the problem here in China.

ReporterChina has recently submitted a post-2020 climate change pledge to the United Nations, promising that compared with 2005, China will cut its CO2 output per unit of GDP by between 60 and 65 percent by 2030.

Zou Ji, the deputy director at the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, is one of the designers behind the action plan.

He says the goal is a little bit ambitious, but not out of reach.

"If our GDP growth rate can be maintained around 7 percent in 2030, our GDP per capita will climb to 14,000 to 15,000 US dollars. In that case, peak emissions could be reached. According to our calculation, by that time, China will produce 8 to 9 tons of carbon dioxide per person, which is lower than America and Europe when they hit their peaks."Zou says, in terms of income levels and emission at the peak year, China is more aggressive compared with many developed countries.

Moreover, China is now actively working on research and production of new energy.

Last year, the International Renewable Energy Agency published a report, predicting that China will expand its renewable energy consumption share from 13% to 26% by 2030; then become the largest renewable energy user around the world.

Though some scholars worry that the assumption is over optimistic, Adnan Amin, head of the organization, emphasizes that China's potential should not be underrated.

"Many people think that's ambitious, but when we look at the past, in terms of the learning curve in China, the reduction in the cost of technology, the fact that you have more and more skilled people who are capable of dealing with renewable energy installation and investment, we believe every year we have underestimated the potential for renewable energy."According to economist Ma Jiantang, energy structure optimization has already produced results.

"In 2000, the energy consumption share of coal and oil was respectively 68.5% and 22%. Last year, their shares slumped evidently. There are fewer coal-fired thermal power plants but more power stations generating clean energy, such as hydro power, nuclear power, and wind and solar energy."China has also worked with the international community, taking responsibilities. Last November, the presidents of both China and the United States released a joint announcement on climate change.

John Podesta, Obama's former counselor on climate change and energy policy, speaks highly of the bilateral cooperation.

"Our two countries count for one third of the global GDP. They act as the engine of the global economy, so when we each set our countries on the course to a clean energy future, we unlock vast opportunities for national and global economic growth. "As climate change affects all on the planet, Chinese scientists and decision makers are giving their all to grapple the issue for coming generations.

For CRI, I'm Niu Honglin.

Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary with a lavish paradeThe city-state of Singapore has celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence on Sunday with a massive Parade.

"Actually very emotional because when I step out of my house, I look at the things around me and I find that all these things have been achieved over, with a lot of effort over those past 50 years and I hope that this is the start of another brand new wonderful 50 years for all of us."The ceremony to mark the anniversary has also taken time to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who passed away in March.

Chinese vice-President Li Yuanchao has attended the ceremony on behalf of the Chinese government.

Singapore, once a part of Malaysia after its independence from Britain, became an independent city-state on August 9th, 1965.

Disorder rife as Haitians vote in long-delayed electionsAfter an almost 4-year delay, the people of Haiti are now voting to elect a national parliament.

Richardson Dumel with Haiti's Electoral Council says the vote is being overseen by the United Nations.

"Right now, we are at the school of Petionville that has 70 voting booths. So it's known as the 'mega voting centre.' Witnesses are confirming that the voting is underway. First, the UN observers go inside and then the representatives of the political parties since the voting must take place with both the observers and representatives on hand to witness."Voters in Haiti are electing members to the lower House of Parliament, as well as two-thirds of the island-nation's senate.

This is the first time voters have been able to elect their representatives after the impoverished nation was devastated by a massive earthquake in 2010 which left over 100-thousand dead.

Results of the election are expected within a week to 10-days.

Police investigate racism attack against Chinese politician in ScotlandPolice in Scotland are investigating claims of racism levelled by a Chinese politician.

29-year old Jin Yen Hongmei had been serving on a local council as a member of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

She claims she's been the target of racist attacks and bullying by her party members.

The Scottish National Party has refused to respond to the allegations.

Jin, who was born in Zheijang, moved to Scotland in 2003.

She says she plans to run as an independent candidate in next year's Scottish parliamentary elections.

Do women feel temperature differently from men?

AnchorA recent study about room temperatures in offices is 'heating up' new debate here in China.

CRI's Poornima Weerasekara explains.

ReporterIt happens every summer: offices turn on the air-conditioning, and women freeze into popsicles.

But until now, there was no data to understand why women felt cold and were slipping on cardigans while men just rolled up their sleeves at the same temperature at the work place.

"I always feel cold and coming in (to work) you always find yourself wearing a jacket. Yet, at the same time, it seems that everyone else is finding the temperature quite pleasant."Now a new study by two Dutch scientists - published last week in the prestigious journal Nature Climate Change - has offered an answer to this longstanding question.

They say that most office buildings set temperatures based on a decades-old formula that is based on the metabolic rates of men.

The formula developed in the 1960s is based on the average body temperature of a 40-year-old man weighing about 154 pounds.

It actually overestimates a woman's metabolic rate by about 35 percent.

No wonder women feel the chill at work, says another office worker.

"If I think about all my female friends, all the female colleagues in the office, everybody, it's definitely always the females who are complaining about being cold."According to Prof Paul Thornalley, of Warwick Medical School, women usually have a slower metabolic rate than men, mainly because they are smaller and have more body fat. This means they produce less body heat and feel cold more easily.

Another issue is differences in office attire. Many men still have to wear suits and ties in the melting summer heat but women can opt to wear skirts, sandals and other lighter, more skin-baring clothes.

Here is a male worker summing up the dress-code dilemma"I can't wear short-sleeved shirts to work and most days I come in with a tie. So it's easier for a woman to take the layers on and off. Where as for a man, this is it. I've got to be stuck like this the whole day."So what can be done about this? It could take years before the construction industry and air-condition manufacturers come up with a new standard.

Until then, Radhika Sanghani, a writer for Telegraph's Wonder Women in the UK says a bit of common sense and sensitivity at the work place could go a long way.

"We don't need any sort of crazy legislation or anything like that. It's just a case of common sense and if there are women complaining about the cold then maybe workplaces can think about lowering the AC (air-conditioning) or relaxing dress codes for men so they maybe don't have to wear a suit to work."The study by the two Dutch scientists concludes that setting temperatures at slightly warmer levels can not only "reduce gender-discriminating bias in thermal comfort" but also help combat global warming.

The archaic formula that is still being used may have worked well in the male-dominated offices in the 60's.

But now, women form almost half of the work force. So it is time someone readjusted that thermostat.

For CRI, I'm Poornima WeerasekaraBeijing to tighten mail security for war anniversaryMunicipal authorities in Beijing are tightening security on parcels being sent through the mail ahead of the military parade commemorating the military parade set for September 3rd.

Personal identification is now being required before a package can be sent.

It will also have to go through a security check.

The provinces around Beijing are also being required to increase their postal security.

This is the latest step being taken in Beijing ahead of the anniversary.

Vehicles are also going to be put on the odd-even license plate restrictions as of August 20th.

Inmate captured after prison break in NE ChinaAn inmate has been captured after an escape from a juvenile detention facility in Heilongjiang.

The 20-year-old was picked-up on Sunday afternoon after scaling the walls of his jail the day before.

He's serving 9-years in prison for robbery.

The inmate had only been in jail for 4-months before trying to get away.

WeatherBeijing will be sunny with a high of 33 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures should drop down to 22.

Shanghai will see slight rain with a high of 31 and a low of 27.

In Chongqing, it will be cloudy during the daytime with a high of 31 and lows of 25.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Kathmandu, slight rain, 29.

Islamabad will be overcast with a high of 35.

Kabul will be cloudy with a high of 29.

Over to North America,New York will be overcast with a high of 29 degrees.

Washington, overcast with a high of 30 degrees.

Honolulu, cloudy, 28.

Toronto will have moderate rain with a high of 28 degrees.

Finally, on to South America,Buenos Aires will have moderate rain with a high of 16.

And Rio de Janeiro will be cloudy with a high of 25 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsTyphoon Soudelor kills 14 in E ChinaThe former typhoon Soudelor, which is now burning itself out over central China, is being blamed for 14 deaths in Zhejiang.

Four others are also listed as missing following the storm, which hit the mainland Saturday night.

Soudelor has caused flash flooding and landslides, leaving 1.4-million without power in Zhejiang and Fujian.

Estimates suggest the storm has caused some 4-billion yuan worht of damage.

The storm, the largest of the year, hit Taiwan early Saturday, leading 6 dead and 4 others missing.

Singapore celebrates 50th independent dayThe city-state of Singapore has celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence on Sunday with a massive Parade.

The ceremony to mark the anniversary has also taken time to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who passed away in March.

Chinese vice-President Li Yuanchao has attended the ceremony on behalf of the Chinese government.

Singapore, once a part of Malaysia after its independence from Britain, became an independent city-state on August 9th, 1965.

Iraqi cabinet approves PM crucial reform planThe Iraqi cabinet has approved a new package of reforms meant to try to quell the civil unrest which has been gripping the country in recent days.

The measures put forward by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi are in response to the recent demonstrations against corruption and poor civil services.

It will still require parliamentary approval.

Massive demonstrations have been taking place in Baghdad and several other cities in protest against slack public services, power shortages, and widespread corruption.

Nagasaki marks 70 years of A bombNagasaki has marked 70 years since the dropping of the last atomic bomb on a civilian target in the closing days of World War Two.

The memorial ceremony took place right under where the bomb exploded at 11:02 a.m. local time in the Japanese city.

At the memorial, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was renewing his vows to push more nuclear disarmament.

A representative of the United Nations, Kim Won-soo, also took the stand to voice UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's resolve to make progress in nuclear disarmament.

Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue also took the time to warn of growing public concern over Japan's commitment to its pacifist pledge.

Chinese NGO downplays reports of graftA non-Governmental Organization here in China is moving to ensure donors that money collected through the popular "Ice Bucket Challenge" has gone to good use.

China-Dolls Center for Rare Disorders collected some 8-million yuan through the once-popular 'Ice Bucket Challenge."However, some reports have been suggesting the money has not been used properly.

The NGO has been forced to issue a statement, saying it has used nearly 5.5-million yuan of the money donated to help around 160 ALS patients in China.

It says the rest of the money has been transferred to other charities which focus on counseling and support for other people with rare diseases.

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" was a campaign which began in United States to raise awareness about ALS.

Celebrities would challenge one-another to pour a bucket of ice water on themselves to help people with ALS, which is a degenerative muscular disorder.

Biz Reportsmarket previewAnchor:

Turning onto business news. First let's get a preview of what we can expect on the markets this week.

ReporterOn the economic front,The U.S. Labor Department releases on Wednesday its monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey for June.

On the same day, the U.S. Treasury Department is likely to show a budget deficit of 131 billion U.S. dollars in July, compared with a surplus of 51.8 billion U.S. dollars in June.

U.S. retail sales are expected to have rebounded in July after an unexpected weak number in June.

Thursday's reading is likely to show an increase of 0.5 percent in July, compared to a 0.3 percent drop in the previous month.

Also on Thursday, the Labor Department will release July import and export prices.

The U.S. Commerce Department on Thursday will estimate how much Americans spent at retailers in July.

Oil markets will closely watch two key monthly reports this week: One from OPEC on Tuesday, and another from the International Energy Agency on Wednesday.

China is set to report data on retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment on Wednesday.

The eurozone is going to release second-quarter gross domestic product data on Friday.

On the corporate front,Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba will report earnings on Wednesday.

On the same day, News Corp is expected to miss analysts' average estimate in the fourth quarter.

On Thursday, chip-equipment maker Applied Materials is expected to report third-quarter profit below analysts' average estimate.

Finally, on Friday, department store operator J.C. Penney is expected to report second-quarter profit above analysts' average estimate.

China's CPI continues to rise in July, PPI dropsAnchor:

Consumer prices are back on the rise after months of declines.

The Consumer Price Index has come in at 1.6-percent through July.

This is the highest rate so far this year.

However, it's still below the Chinese government's full-year target of 3-percent.

At the same time, the Producer Price Index, the measure of prices on a wholesale level, dipped 5.4-percent through July.

This is the 41st month the PPI in China has dipped.

For more, we're joined on the line by Mike Bastian, Director of the China Research Center based in London.

Talking points:

1. As the CPI recovers, worries have arisen that the central bank may tighten monetary conditions. So in your opinion, what actions will the central bank take in the second half of this year?

2. As for the producer price index, why did it keep falling in the 40 months? Qu Hongbin, chief China economist at HSBC noted that "China still faces grim deflation risk". Do you agree with him?

3. What kind of policy tools should be used to control the risk of deflation?

Lock-up shares worth 55 bln yuan to become tradableLock-up shares worth nearly 55 billion yuan, or some 9-billion US dollars, are set to become eligible for trading on the Chinese stock market as of today.

2.9 billion shares from 27 different companies are becoming tradable on the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses.

This is up from the 43.7 billion yuan in shares unlocked this past week.

Sichuan-based mining company Hebang Corporation will have just under 13-billion yuan worth of share become tradable on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Thursday, the largest amount to hit the market.

Under China's market rules, major shareholders of non-tradable stocks are subject to as much as 2-years of lock-up before they are permitted to trade.

Ruble to circulate in China-Russia border cityAuthorities in the city of Suifenhe in Heilongjiang are now allowing the Russian Ruble to be used as currency in the city.

Suifeihe a major hub for trade with Russia.

One yuan is currently worth around 10 Rubles.

Around 80-percent of Heilongjiang's exports to Russia move through the city.

7.6 billion US dollars worth of goods moved through the city last year.

The Russian Ruble is already widely used in Suifenhe, particularly in shops and hotels targeting Russian customers.

China and Russia signed a currency swap agreement last year.

130 million yuan allocated to boost e-commerce in XinjiangThe Chinese government has allocated 130 million yuan, or around 21 million US dollars, to fund e-commerce development in Xinjiang.

Seven different counties are going to be included in the new program.

This is part of a 2-billion yuan program covering around 200 counties in central and western China to develop e-commerce in the country's rural areas.

The money is meant to try to develop e-commerce through the creation of logistics hubs.

It's also going to help train local officials and companies about the basics of e-commerce.

COSCO on Limassol bidder shortlistChinese shipping giant COSCO is offering up plans for the perspective privitization of the main port in Cyprus.

COSCO is among more than 70 companies shortlisted by Cyprus' Ministry of Transport for the commercial development of Limassol.

Final tenders are expected to be issued by November.

Limassol port operations are among the first state-owned assets put under plans for privatization as part of the island's 11-billion U.S. dollar bailout in 2013.

SportsChina's Sun withdraws from men's 1,500m freestyle final at Kazan worldsAt the FINA World Aquatics championships in Kazan, Russia,Chinese swimming star Sun Yang has pulled out of the 15-hundred meter freestyle event, claiming heart issues.

The 23-year-old has already claimed the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle gold medals.

He also took silver in the 200-meter freestyle.

-------Fu Yuanwei has led the Chinese women to a gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay, the last event of the world swimming championships.

Sweden took silver and Australia was third.

---At the US national championships,Michael Phelps has taken a gold with another stunning world best time in the 100 meter butterfly.

The 22-time Olympic medalist was 0.09 second faster than South African Chad le Clos, who won the world championships only hours earlier in Kazan.

China finish second in East Asian CupIn football action from the East Asian Cup,China has continued their 17-year winless run against Japan, finishing in a 1-1 draw in Wuhan last night.

In the all-Korea final, it was South Korea emerging as the tournament champions, drawing nil-nil to take the cup over North Korea.

-----------------In the English Premier League,It was West Ham United surprising Arsenal 2-nil.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side didn't have fundamentals.

"I felt we were a bit nervous, yes, and we rushed a bit our game and we didn't respect always the basics. We wanted to be too quick going forward in the first half maybe. I don't think we were too confident, I would rather say too nervous maybe."----------In other EPL action, it was Liverpool over Stoke City 1-nil.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says they're happy to walk away with an away victory.

"It's always difficult when you come to Stoke. It's never an easy game here. But to get a win and perform on the back of where we were eleven weeks ago, I thought it was an outstanding collective performance."Liverpool was embarrassed by Stoke 6-1 at the end of last season.

In other action from Sunday,Newcastle United and Southampton drew 2-2.

On Saturday,It was Man United opening its season with a victory, getting past Tottenham 1-nil.

EPL newcomers Watford earned their first point, levelling with Everton 2-2.

It was Liester City over Sunderland 4-2.

Crystal Palace dumped Norwich 3-1.

And Aston Villa potted a 2nd-half marker late to get past newly-advanced Bournemouth 1-nil.

Jiang Su beat Beijing 2-0In action from the China Baseball League,Jiangsu has defeated defending champions Beijing 2-0 to take this year's China Baseball League trophy.

It's the club's 1st league victory.

The China Baseball League has been around since 2002.

The league resumed play last year after being shelved in 2012 due to a lack of sponsorship.

---------------In Major League Baseball,The Milwaukee Brewers beat St. Louis 5-4 to end the Cardinals' four-game winning streak.

In other action,The Boston Red Sox beat the Tigers 7-2.

The Toronto Blue Jays blanked the the Yankees 2-0 to sweep the series against the AL East leaders.

Toronto is now 9-1 in their last 10, having won 8-straight, and are now just 1.5-games back of New York for the lead in the AL East.

The Indians beat the Twins 8-1.

The Rays beat the Mets 4-3.

The Royals beat the White Sox 5-4.

The Brewers beat the Cardinals 5-4.

The Cubs beat the Giants 2-0.

And it's the Colorado Rockies getting past the Washington Nationals 6-4.

China Beat Japan 95-72In basketball action from 2015 FIBA Asia U16 Women's Championship,China has defended its title with a 95-72 win over Japan.

Li Yueru led the Chinese squad with 31 points and 18 rebounds in the victory.

South Korea edged Chinese Taipei 60-52 for bronze.

In off-court basketball news,China's Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin have been listed among the top 100 in the lastest NBA Rookie rankings.

19-year-old Zhou Qi, who plays for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, is ranked 21st.

21-year-old Wang Zhelin with the Fujian Sturgeons is 68th.

Zhou Qi averaged 14.5 points and 7.2 rebounds for Xinjiang this past season.

Wang Zhelin averaged 21.9 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Japan wins Asian Men's Volleyball ChampionshipIn men's volleyball,China has secured Bronze at the Asian championships, getting past Qatar 3-2.

China's Zhang Zhejia has been awarded "best blocker" of the tournament.

Japan has taken the title, dumping the host Iranians 3-1 in the final.

Ma Long Wins China OpenIn table tennis,China's Ma Long has taken this year's China Open, hammering Xu Xin 4-1 in the final.

It was Xu Xin and partner Fan Zhendong claiming the title in men's doubles event.

On the women's side,World number 4 Zhu Yuling has taken the women's singles title with a 4-0 sweep of compatriot Ding Ning.

This is the second time that Zhu has defeated world number one Ding Ning in a tournament final.

The gold in women's doubles event went to Liu Shiwen and her partner Chen Meng, who overcame another Chinese pair Gu Yuting and Mu Zi 3-0.

The 10th Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities Has Kicked offThe 10th Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities has kicked off in Inner Mongolia.

Over 6 thousand athletes are taking part.

Hannah Burke wins first Ladies European Tour titleIn golf,England's Hannah Burke shot a final round 7-under-par 64 to win the Pilsen Golf Masters by two strokes in the Czech Republic.

"I've had a couple of really good weeks building up to this - I played well in Scotland an then had a good week last week at the Open. The game's just been in good shape so it's been there, it's just how it falls into place sometimes and the putts dropped today so, yeah, I came out on top."It's the 27-year old Burke's first victory on the Ladies European Tour.

Entertainment17th Huading Awards for top Chinese entertainers announcedA survey of international celebrities conducted for the 17th Huading Awards in Shanghai has been released.

Chinese director Zheng Xiaolong's television series "Red Sorghum" takes home the honor for the best film.

The series is based on Nobel laureate Mo Yan's novel of the same title.

Zhou Xun has won the award for best actress for her acting in "Red Sorghum"Chinese actor Tong Dawei has been awarded best actor for the television comedy series "Tiger Mom".

The Huading Awards, established in 2007, recognizes excellence in showbiz based on surveys among stars and professionals in the entertainment industry.

Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible' again tops US box officeCruise's 'Mission: Impossible' again tops US box officeMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" fought off its competitors to claim the top spot at the North American box office for a second straight week.

Tom Cruise returns as a top-secret agent battling a rogue global organization in the fifth installment of the blockbuster franchise.

The film pulled in over 29 million US dollars over the weekend, edging out the latest Marvel superhero flick "Fantastic Four.""Fantastic Four," a reboot of the comic book franchise about four young people transported to an alternate universe where they gain superpowers, debuted to poor reviews and a disappointing 26 million US dollar take.

Also making its North American debut was "The Gift," a psychological thriller with Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall, which opened in third place with 12 million US dollars in weekend ticket sales.

---Now a quick look at the Chinese box office,Fantasy film "Monster Hunt" remains on top and has grossed over 2 billion Yuan, or around 322 million US dollars.

It took only 24 days for the movie to break the record and become the second highest grossing film of all time in China.

In second place is the epic animated adventure Monkey King: Hero is Back, which has taken 800 million yuan in 30 days since its release.

One Direction breaks streaming record as it tops UK chart"Drag Me Down," One Direction's first single as a quartet following the departure of Zayn Malik in March has surged to the top of the British chart.

Calvin Harris and Disciples' "How Deep Is Your Love" jumped six places to second spot among the singles.

While Little Mix's "Black Magic" fell from No.1 to No. 3.

In the albums chart, London indie rock band The Maccabees claimed their first Number one spot with their latest album "Marks to Prove It."British singer and songwriter Lianne La Havas was at number two with "Blood," just ahead of Years & Years' "Communion" at number three.

The chart also features a compilation album by Britain's best-known singer and TV presenter Cilla Black, who passed away recently.

Benedict Cumberbatch asks fans not to film HamletActor Benedict Cumberbatch has pleaded with fans outside the Barbican theatre in London not to film his stage performance of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

In a video shot outside the stage door, Sherlock star Cumberbatch told a crowd of supporters about "cameras and red lights" he spotted in the audience.

The actor is starring in a 12-week run of the play.

Although on-the-day tickets have been made available, the 100,000 advance tickets were snapped up in minutes when they were released in August last year.

Some tickets are currently being offered for up to ?650 on secondary-ticketing sites.

Cumberbatch is not the first actor to have criticised fans for using mobile phones during a performance.

In 2013, James McAvoy scolded an audience member whom he caught filming his performance of Macbeth at Trafalgar Studios.

That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.

Recapping our top stories this morning...

Typhoon Soudalor is being blamed for close to 20 deaths here on the mainland.

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.