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

Coming up on the program this evening...

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma Vowing to Make China-Africa Summit Successful...

Observers around the world speaking highly of China's Victory Day parade....

And British Prime Minister David Cameron announcing Britain would accept thousands more Syrian refugees...

In Business...China and Russia signing raft of energy deals....

In Sports...China beating Dominican Republic at women's volleyball World Cup...

And in Entertainment.... Education variety show 'First lesson in school' to air on CCTV...

TopXi, Zuma Vow to Make China-Africa Summit SuccessfulChina and South Africa announced on Friday that the sixth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be upgraded into to a summit.

The statement was made during Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma, who is in Beijing for activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's war against Japanese aggression.

President Xi says China will work with African countries for the success of the summit while Zuma noted that South Africa highly values its friendship with China and is trying to achieve results in planned cooperation deals.

The summit is scheduled for December 4-5 in South Africa.

Heads of state of the two countries will invite African state leaders to the summit.

Xi Jinping Meets with PutinAnchor:

Also in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping has sat down for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Thursday's V-Day parade.

CRI's Poornima Weerasekara has more.

Reporter:

Chinese President Xi Jinping, coming fresh off his time in-front of Chinese veterans and current troops, has told Vladimir Putin the two should be working together to ensure their shared history during the war is not forgotten.

"As time passes, young people know less about the war than those before them. History is also being forgotten and distorted. We have reached a consensus on this, and we should work more closely to protect our shared legacy of the War."At the same time, the Chinese President is also suggesting both China and Russia have a legacy to uphold.

"Both China and Russia, as some of the decisive battlefields of World War II in Asia and Europe, saw our troops make great sacrifices and contributions to the victory. As we are both founding members of the United Nations and permanent members of the UN Security Council, we need to shoulder the responsibility for world peace and stability."For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken time to laud Thursday's display at Tian'anmen.

"I am glad to attend the memorial events here in China and was deeply impressed by the grand commemoration and military parade. The attendances of the two militaries at each other's World War Two commemorations are of great significance to the bilateral ties."Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have also overseen the signing of a number of bilateral agreements.

They've also discussed particulars about the Silk Road program.

Thursday's meeting is the third of the year between the Chinese and Russian leaders.

Putin's trip to Beijing is a reciprocal visit following Xi Jinping attendance at Russia's V-Day Parade in Moscow on May 9th.

For CRI, I'm Poornima Weerasekara.

World Impressed with China's V-Day ParadeAnchor:

China's military parade on Thursday marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's war of resistance against Japanese aggression has caught worldwide attention.

Observers around the world have spoken highly of the event.

Our reporter Wang Wei has more.

Reporter:

In Saudi Arabia, the parade was closely followed by local media.

Abdullah Y. Alkowaileet, editor in chief of Alfaisal Magazine, says the parade showed China's confidence in safeguarding national security.

"The military parade has shown the world China's confidence. Today China no longer needs to prove its national strength by certain means. Through the parade, we can see the advanced level of Chinese heavy industry and other fields."He notes the announcement by President Xi Jinping to cut troops by 300-thousand verifies China's promise that it will never seek hegemony.

Bob Carr, former foreign minister of Australia, watched the military parade on the internet.

He comments that the commemoration helps people to learn about history, particularly the sacrifices and contributions made by China during World War II.

"I think it is good that young people have the opportunity to absorb the story of their parents and their grandparents. Young people in China need to understand that for 150 years China was torn apart by imperialist invasions."In Argentina, well-known international political analyst Jorge Castro says he was impressed by the speech delivered by President Xi Jinping.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed in his speech that China will cut its troops by 300,000 within two to three years. It means, as President Xi noted, that it was to recall the history in which 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians lost their lives; it was to deliver the message of peace and build universal consciousness of a common destiny of humanity to achieve common prosperity around the world."On Thursday, 50 formations including a total of 12-thousand troops took part in the Victory Day parade.

As many as 500 pieces of armaments and 200 fighter jets were reviewed during the parade.

For CRI, this is Wang Wei.

S.Korean President Witnesses Reopen of Provisional Government Office in ShanghaiSouth Korean President Park Geun-hye took part in a ceremony on Friday to reopen the office of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, which was established during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule.

According to the South Korean presidential office, the country and China have worked together to reopen the office this year, marking the 70th anniversary of Korean independence from Japan.

During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, Park thanked the Chinese government for making efforts to preserve historic sites in China where Koreans fought for independence.

The Provisional Government was established in April 1919 and it led independence efforts until Korea was liberalized from Japanese rule in 1945.

Several restoration projects were carried out since 1990, and the latest restoration of the Provisional Government building started in May 2015.

Chinese Consul General Hails NY's ResolutionThe Consul General of China in New York on Thursday hailed New York State's resolution expressing welcome to President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States and its bipartisan support for stronger ties and friendship with China.

Consul General Zhang Qiyue says the resolution reflects both the reality and aspiration to build even closer ties.

"Seen from the current China-US relationship, I think the direction is very clear that people of the two countries share a harmonious and mutual good feeling, and have established friendship across many fields."The bill was proposed in May by Peter Abbate from the New York State Assembly, and gained wide support thereafter.

"This is the first time that I've seen a resolution passed on the cooperation between the two countries and on welcoming a president of a country from the New York State legislature."Data from the Consulate General in New York shows that the Chinese community in New York State has become one of the largest in the country.

CRRC USA Breaks Ground in MassachusettsAnchorChina Rail Rolling Stock Corp. Ltd held a ceremony on Thursday to mark the start of the building process of a railcar factory in the northeastern U.S state of Massachusetts.

The China-made rail cars will officially enter the American market.

CRI's Niu Honglin has more.

ReporterThe ceremony marking the beginning of the building process was held the city of Springfield.

Earlier in 2015, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority awarded a 560 million dollar contract to China Rail Rolling Stock Corp. to design and manufacture 152 new Orange Line vehicles and 132 new Red Line vehicles for Boston's rail transit system.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker addressed those attending the ceremony, pointing out that the new plant is mutually beneficial for both sides.

"We are talking about manufacturing rail cars here in Springfield, that will serve not just Massachusetts, but over time I believe significant part of the Eastern Seaboard. It's just a great story for all of us. The key thing now is we all need to follow through and execute and turn that story into reality."The factory, with an area of 16 hectares, will invest some 60 million U.S. dollars and provide around 150 job opportunities. The new railcars will replace the 40-year-old old models currently serving Boston subway lines, and connect Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

CRRC vice president Yu Weiping is proud of this ground breaking export.

"In the past we could only export shoes or socks to the United States. Now we can export a whole series of product services to the United States, including high-end equipment, technology, management, capital and services."He adds that CRRC products have been exported to about 100 countries and regions, with the enterprise gradually transforming its operational structure away from just merchandise to now exporting technology and capital, as well as expanding its global operations.

CRRC is the first Chinese railcar manufacturer to land a major U.S. transit contract. The state-owned company is now among the world's largest rail rolling stock manufacturers.

The new plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2016, will also have a 2,240-linear-foot test track. The first cars are expected to be rolled out in 2018.

For CRI, I'm Niu Honglin.

Various Cultural Programs Lighten up Communities in QingdaoAnchor:

The city of Qingdao in Shandong is attempting to bank on local enthusiasm towards outdoor performances by promoting a series of activities in public venues.

CRI's Luo Laiming has more.

Reporter:

As the night falls, the Badaxia Square in western Qingdao is packed with hundreds of people watching an outdoor show in the sizzling summer heat.

The local government has invested a huge amount of money in organizing outdoor performances presented by professional art troupes like the Qingdao Song and Dance Ensemble. Xu Jing, deputy director of the Culture and Tourism Center in Shinan district, says that this performance is very well received among the people.

"The introduction of professional performers, for one thing, enriches civil culture, and for another, improves the art tastes of amateur performing teams which are usually organized by local residents."Qingdao has been cultivating its original cultural brand, and a drama club named "happiness" has come into the spotlight this summer.

Dong Ting is the curator of the Cultural Centre in Shinan District. He says Happiness drama club has been welcomed by audiences.

"The performances are very down to earth. We speak to the ordinary people to find topics that they are interested in like marriage and health. We've received a lot of positive feedback, and the audiences find our shows hilarious. We even have our own fans after only five performances."Another significant program the government has been carrying out is related to reading. In order to cultivate good reading habits among the general public, Shinan district has set up 65 community libraries with inter-library lending services.

Xie Chunping is deputy general manager of the Qingdao Administration of Culture, Press, and Publication Bureau in Shinan district.

"The libraries are all standardized in terms of distribution and management. Residents can borrow books from all the libraries in Qingdao even without leaving their own communities. This is a far more convenient way to get access to books and further stimulates people's interests in reading."Zhang Ping is the deputy director of the Qingdao Administration of Culture, Press, and Publication Bureau, in Shinan district. She says that they've been exploring a new way to integrate cultural industries with public cultural services.

"Books are commonly seen in cafés, but they are often used for decoration. The number of books in a café is usually very limited due to budget and limited space. What we have been doing is to provide them with free services in terms of delivering new books to replace the old ones based on each café's size and location."With more far-sighted plans being implemented, residents in Qingdao are hoping they can get access to more diverse and top-notched cultural programs in the near future.

Britain to Take in More Refugees, US Says Asylum Approval Process LengthyBritish Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday said Britain would accept thousands more Syrian refugees fleeing conflict.

"Britain has a moral responsibility to help refugees as we have done throughout our history. We're already providing sanctuary and we'll continue to do so. As the second largest bilateral donor to the crisis we have provided over 900 million pounds in aid to help those affected in Syria and the region."Cameron said Britain would take in people already in refugee camps to help them avoid a "hazardous journey which has cost so many of their lives."Meanwhile, the US State Department on Thursday stressed their support for the European Union's efforts to address the ongoing issue.

However, US State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner also said that a more comprehensive approach to the problem was ultimately needed.

Toner said the approval for asylum seekers to enter the US could take up to two years.

"It's an extensive review process. Certainly folks coming from that part of the world, that region, we need to obviously conduct a thorough review process. I've been told it takes up to anywhere between 18 to 24 months, so, it's time-consuming."Toner further explained security concerns were behind the lengthy review and approval processes.

"These individuals, these refugees, asylum-seekers, who are being considered by DHS (Department of Homeland Security), have to pass security background checks, precisely because of some of the factors that you raised, which is that the fear from, you know, there's a lot of terrorist groups operating in that region, in that part of the world, and we need to make sure that, fundamentally, that we protect the national security of the United States of America."Europe has seen unprecedented numbers of refugees and migrants in recent months. Most of them have fled war-torn countries including Syria. European leaders have called for collective EU efforts and solutions to address the issueReunion Island Wing Part Belonged to MH370: French InvestigatorsFrench investigators have formally confirmed the plane wreckage found on Reunion Island is a part from the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH 370.

The found wing part, known as a flaperon, was discovered on the French Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean on July 29. Malaysian authorities had previously announced that the part was indeed from the missing flight.

French authorities, however, remained more cautious until the latest announcement on Thursday. The French confirmation came after Airbus Defense and Space in Spain, which made the part for Boeing, matched a number on the part with the serial number of the MH370 Boeing triple seven aircraft.

The plane disappeared in March last year en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. More than 150 of them were Chinese.

Suspects Not Linked to Bangkok Blast: Thai PoliceFingerprints from the two foreign suspects arrested in connection with the deadly Bangkok explosion last month did not match evidence from the blast site according to an announcement from Thai police on Friday.

Police have so far arrested two foreign nationals and 1 Thai citizen in the investigation into the blast.

Prawut Thawornsiri, Thailand's police spokesman, said the DNA test results from the second foreign suspect did not link him to the explosion on August 17.

"The DNA test result of the suspect to whom we issued an arrest warrant yesterday, Mr. Yusufu, doesn't not match with DNA found on a bank note and vehicles."The spokesman was referring to Yusufu Mieraili, the second suspect arrested near the Thailand-Cambodia border on Tuesday. Police were testing his DNA to match those left by the prime suspect after the blast. DNA was left in a taxi and on a bank note given to the driver.

Police earlier raided two apartments near Bangkok and found chemical substances used to manufacture bombs. The spokesman said the second suspect's DNA did match those left in one of the apartments, however.

The announcement came as a blow to the investigation efforts. According to released information so far, no evidence links the two foreign suspects to the attack.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Department of Fine Arts has restored a statue of a Hindu god, which was damaged in the Bangkok attack.

The Erawan shrine, which was the site of the blast, hosted a ceremony on Friday as the statue was put back on display. A number of senior Thai officials attended the ceremony, highlighting the need to restore people's confidence and a sense of normalcy to the country.

Indonesian president orders search for victims of sunken boat off MalaysiaIndonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday ordered Indonesian rescuers to search for the victims of a sunken boat off the coast of Malaysia.

The wooden boat which was reportedly heading for Indonesia carrying 70 Indonesian migrant workers, capsized on Thursday off Malaysia' s western coast.

As of Friday, the death toll stands at 15 while some 19 others have been rescued.

Indonesian rescuers from the national search and rescue office have been conducting the operation and also coordinating with national police for identification of the victims.

It's been suggested that two possible causes for the accident are overloading and bad weather.

"Zhang Huoding phenomenon" comes to New YorkAnchorPeking Opera megastar Zhang Huoding has made her debut in New York.

Her shows, sold-out here in China on a regular basis, are doing the same in 'The Big Apple.'

CRI's Su Yi has more from New York.

ReporterIs the 200-year-old Peking Opera losing its popularity in China?

Well, don't tell that to the throngs of people who are willing to pay a thousand US dollars to buy a pair of sold-out tickets on the black market.

This is the allure of Zhang Huoding, one of China's biggest Peking Opera stars.

The 44-year-old has a huge fan base, particularly among the younger generation.

She's made her New York debut at the David Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

Over a dozen of her fans have followed her here from China for the two performances.

Her New York debut, 'The Legend of the White Snake' tells a love story between a young woman, said to have the spirit of a white snake, and a kind-hearted young man.

Their love and marriage are challenged by a Buddhist monk, who is meant to represent the conservative power in society.

Zhang Huoding says her performance came from something she tried 15-years ago.

"The Legend of the White Snake is not part of the Cheng School. But I started to try this score with the vocal methods and moves from the Cheng School in 2000. The vocal tones and performing style are quite different."The Cheng School is one of the four major Peking Opera performance styles that emerged in the early 20th century.

This is considered the renaissance of Peking Opera.

After graduating from an opera school in Tianjin in 1989, Zhang Huoding began training under a Peking Opera master who studied the works of Cheng Yanqiu, the founder of the style she's adopted.

Zhang herself is very soft-spoken, rarely granting interviews.

She lives in Beijing with her husband and their 3-year-old daughter.

She spends most of her time trying to perfect her craft, as well as teach at the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts.

Academy Director Ba Tu says her pursuit of Cheng-style is an inspiration to those around her.

"We give full-respect to the traditions of the Cheng School. And we respect her attempt to follow the traditional ways. She pursues selflessness and shows respect to the masters at a time when traditional culture is rapidly being marginalized. She has never made changes to her style, despite a culture now which prefers a 'fast-food' mentality."One of Zhang's colleagues, opera professor Fu Jin, says her dedication to the classic art-form is something which will help keep it alive.

"We've made too many changes to try to save Peking Opera. That is a mistake. I think the only way to preserve the originality of the shows, and to preserve the art itself, is to showcase the beauty of tradition."Zhang Huoding is going to be one of the subjects of a 10-episode documentary recording several active Peking Opera performers of her generation.

Those putting together the documentary are also hoping to preserve a slice of Peking Opera, which UNESCO has inscribed in its Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010.

For CRI, I'm Su Yi in New York.

Chinese Businessman Donates Record Research Fund to New Zealand UniversityA Chinese businessman has made one of the largest ever donations to a New Zealand university in order to boost research into cancer.

Liangren Li, who has lived in New Zealand for 20 years, donated 10 million NZ dollars or over 6 million U.S. dollars for research at Auckland University's faculty of medical and health sciences.

The Li Family Fund would be set up as an endowment fund that will provide annual interest for investing in cancer research.

The university authorities said the donation was the largest in its 50 year history.

Li was diagnosed with lung cancer in February, despite never smoking, living a healthy lifestyle, and having none of the risk factors for lung cancer.

Li was born in east China's Shandong. He was accepted for immigration to New Zealand in 1996 and started a business in importing plumbing supplies before expanding into forestry and real estate.

Former Guatemalan President Detained After ResignationOtto Perez Molina, who resigned as Guatemala's president on Thursday, has been detained over corruption charges. He was replaced by former Vice President Alejandro Maldonado.

Prior to Molina's resignation, he was stripped of immunity and faced a growing threat of impeachment. Prosecutors alleged that he was involved in a scam that allowed importers to bribe officials and avoid customs fees.

Molina has said he will face these allegations and charges head on.

"I had the resources, not just now, 15 days ago, a month ago, if I wanted to have fled, I would have. Including two days ago. or yesterday. But I always said, I will respect the due process. I am going to face this. And that's what I am doing. Here, we were not open to the idea of fleeing or running away. We are open to assume responsibility to clarify this situation."The incoming president Alejandro Maldonado has demanded all top government officials resign, as he promises to bring reforms to his nation.

WeatherBeijing will see heavy rain tonight with a low of 19; rain turns moderate tomorrow with a high of 22 degrees Celsius.

Shanghai also expects heavy rain tonight with a low of 24, tomorrow rainy to overcast with a high of 29.

Chongqing, moderate rain tonight with a low of 25, rainy to overcast tomorrow with a high of 29.

Lhasa expects showers tonight with a low of 14, tomorrow cloudy to rainy with a high of 24.

Elsewhere in Asia,Islamabad, slight rain tomorrow with a high of 35.

Kabul, also slight rain, 25.

Down in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney , rainy with a high of 20.

Brisbane, also rainy with a high of 22.

Perth, wet, 18.

And finally Auckland, New Zealand will be cloudy with a high of 15 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsXi, Zuma vow to make China-Africa summit successfulChinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma have vowed to make a China-Africa summit later this year a successful event.

The two countries announced today in Beijing that the sixth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be upgraded to a summit.

The heads of state from the two countries will invite African state leaders to the summit, which is scheduled for December 4-5 in South Africa.

During a meeting with Zuma, President Xi said China will work with African countries for the success of the summit.

Zuma is now in Beijing for activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's war of Resistance against Japanese aggression.

Chinese PM offers condolences to storm-hit DominicaChinese Premier Li Keqiang has offered his condolences to Dominica over a disastrous tropical storm.

Premier Li sent a message to his counterpart in Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, saying that he was astonished by the heavy casualties and losses tropical storm Erika has brought to the country.

Li mourned the dead and extended condolences to their relatives as well as to the injured.

He expressed the belief that under the leadership of Skerrit, people will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes at an early date.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also sent a message to his counterpart Francine Baron, expressing his condolences.

Local media reports that Erika killed at least 31 people, with 20 more missing, and has caused flooding and landslides on the Caribbean island nation.

UK to take more Syrian refugees: CameronBritish Prime Minister David Cameron has promised that Britain would take in thousands more Syrian refugees.

Cameron said on Friday that Britain would take in people already in refugee camps to "provide them with a more direct and safe route to the United Kingdom rather than risking a hazardous journey…"Cameron was speaking at a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho in Lisbon.

Malaysian official expects more information on MH370 debris to be given to search teamMalaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai says he hopes experts can provide more information on the debris to help the search effort for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

The French side has confirmed that the flaperon discovered in Reunion Island was a part of the MH370 aircraft.

In response to the confirmation, the transport minister said on Friday that he hoped experts could furnish details such as a precise location of its discovery, which will assist the search team to move forwards.

Liow also assured that the Malaysian government together with China and Australia would continue with the search effort.

IS blows up 3 tower tombs in Syria's PalmyraThe Islamic State group has detonated three ancient tower tombs in Syria's ancient canvas city of Palmyra.

An antiquities chief confirmed on Friday that all three tombs were nearly 2,000-years-old.

The detonation took place 10 days ago, before the IS terrorists blew up the 2,000-year-old temple of Bel, which was one of Syria's most prized treasures and the landmark of Palmyra.

Biz reportsStocksTurning now to business news:

First a look at the numbers from across the Asian markets to close out this Friday evening.

The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges are both closed today, in line with the Victory Day Parade holidays.

Over in Hong Kong, the Hang Sang Index gave up early gains to close nearly half a percent lower, after returning from a one-day holiday, mainly dragged down by the finance sub-index.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan led a broad Asian stock slide on concerns of a US interest rate hike. The Nikkei tumbled 2.2 percent to a seven-month low.

South Korea's Kospi lost 1.5 percent.

Singapore's Straits Times Index shed 1.4 percent.

And finally, Australia's ASX 200 added a quarter of a percent.

China and Russia seal raft of energy dealsAlongside Chinese President Xi Jingping's meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin here in Beijing, a raft of energy deals were signed in the energy sector.

Among the deals, Russia's top gas producer Gazprom agreed with China National Petroleum Corporation, or CNPC, to supply gas to China from Russia's Far East.

Russia's second-biggest gas producer Novatek signed a framework agreement for China's Silk Road Fund to obtain a 9.9 percent stake in its Yamal liquefied natural gas project.

Sinopec also signed a strategic investment treaty to buy shares in Russia's petrochemical group Sibur.

China and Russia have been accelerating cooperation in the energy sector as China's fast-growing economy needs natural gas supplies and energy-rich Russia faces financial challenges.

Industrial experts believe both countries can increase their cooperation to new-energy sectors including solar and wind power, where Chinese companies are using advanced technologies.

China issues plan to promote "three-network convergence"China's State Council on Friday released a plan for promoting a nationwide project to deliver telecoms, radio and television, and Internet services over a single broadband connection.

According to the plan, the "three-network convergence" project aimed at connecting IT infrastructures and facilitating information sharing.

The Chinese government has actively been pushing for the convergence via various measures, most notably through the Triple Network Convergence Plan it laid out early in 2010.

The project could help upgrade consumption mode, overhaul industrial structure and improve people's livelihood.

Samsung Launch Smart Things at IFA Consumer Electronics ShowSouth Korean tech giant Samsung launched its Gear S2 smartwatch at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin on Thursday, along with a line of new devices called Smart Things.

The newest smartwatch takes aim directly at the Apple Watch with a spinning dial around the screen.

It will work on Android for the first time, not just Samsung's Android phones.

Among the new line Samsung launched on Thursday was a small white box called a hub that coordinates the appliances.

At the show Samsung Electronics Yoon C. Lee vice-president also introduced a sleep monitor SleepSense to audiences at the event.

"Do you know how well you slept last night? And what that really means to you? At Samsung, we now are able to understand the way you sleep, and more importantly, we can help you manage your sleep."The monitor can measure a person's heartbeat and breathing, all in real time, without touching any part of the user's body.

Indonesia dumps plans for high-speed rail lineIndonesia has unexpectedly dumped plans for its first high-speed railway in favour of a slower and cheaper rail option.

The move is viewed as a blow to Japan and China who have been fiercely competing to win the construction job.

The two Asian powerhouses have been locked in a contest for months to build the railway connecting the capital Jakarta with the mountain-fringed city of Bandung around 160 kilometers away.

Sources say that Indonesia will open a new bid for a slower and cheaper rail project which could save 30 percent on costs.

Foreign brands chase consumers in lower-tier Chinese citiesAnchor:

With more foreign brands entering the Chinese market, competition is becoming tougher than ever.

CRI's Min Rui has more.

Reporter:

Foreign brands are becoming cheaper in China as a result of their pursuit for consumers in lower-tier cities along with competition from the e-commerce market.

However some consumers still think their goods are more expensive than the same ones sold overseas even after the price reduction.

Meanwhile, others are still happy to see the price cut on high quality goods.

"For me, I think the quality is always high here, and with the price adjustment, it makes it more attractive to purchase more products."Recently, popular Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI and Australia UGG have re-priced products on the Chinese mainland.

This is the third adjustment that MUJI has made in the past year. It cuts some one hundred products by an average of some 20 percent.

Wang Ziheng, a student, visited the store to check out the cheaper items.

"I am a student, my budget is limited. So I am more interested in stationery and food, but there don't seem to be many discounts on these."In a written response, MUJI says that sales in stores went up by nearly 160 percent in the past two weeks, and that the purpose of price adjustments is to close price gaps among different countries.

Another lifestyle brand, UGG Australia, also made similar moves last month.

However, even after the price changes, products on the Chinese mainland are still some 30 percent to 40 percent higher than in other countries.

Ken Chen, Managing Director of consulting firm L.E.K., says customs duties are one factor contributing to higher prices on the Chinese mainland.

"At least a few years ago when there was less information that signaled what the brand stands for, that price is a strong signal of product premiumness, of safety, of quality. Brands using agents, or even they do it on their own. The percentage (of consumers) might be small of high income earners, but the absolute numbers are just huge. So that they see a ready and able to buy consumer base for their higher-priced products, so why not go for the higher margin?

He also said, as consumers become more sophisticated and exposed to additional product offers on the Internet, they will increasingly be on the lookout for more offers and value for money goods.

Realizing this, brands will have to lower their prices.

In addition, the market has recently become more competitive on the Chinese mainland.

Fast fashion brands such as ZARA and H&M have all brought their home furnishing lines to the market.

Ni Renxia, Marketing Manager of the China Retail Group, says with intensified competition, the brands have to lower prices to capture a broader market.

"The consumption market in first-tier cities has already been saturated, with brands having enough influence. But for the second and third tier cities, such prices are probably a little bit too high. Lower prices may more conform to the purchasing power of these cities, where the markets are still driven by price. If the price is attractive and the quality is not poor, people would be more open to try other brands."According to research by L.E.K. Consulting, despite the increasing use of e-commerce platforms in purchasing foreign brands, people in lower-tier cities visit and make purchases in physical stores more frequently than those in upper-tier cities.

The Economist predicts that by 2020, 66 percent of China's mid-income consumers will come from medium-sized or small cities.

For CRI, I'm Min Rui.

Alibaba chairmen said to plan $US2b loan against stockAlibaba's Chairman Jack Ma and Vice Chairman Joseph Tsai are planning to raise more than 2 billion U.S. dollars through a margin loan pledged against the company's stock.

Sources say the money raised may be used to fund Blue Pool Capital, a Hong Kong-based family office set up to manage the wealth of Alibaba executives.

Rumor says the loan may be announced as early as this month, after a lockup period on stock owned by Ma and Tsai expires on September 21.

However, the final decision has not been made and the deal may still fall through.

Alibaba's stock has been falling since its high in November on the New York Stock Exchanges, and last month dropped below its September 2014 IPO.

SportsChina beat Dominican Republic 3-0 at FIVB World CupBeginning with the latest action in women's volleyball,China have swept past the Dominican Republic 3-0 for their sixth successive victory at the FIVB World Cup.

Yang Junjing was China's top scorer with 14 points.

After nine games China currently stand in third place with eight wins and one loss, well in contention for the title and a ticket to the Rio Olympic Games.

China will take on Russia tomorrow in a match that will alter the prospects of the teams' chances of the title and the ticket to Rio.

In other action from today,Russia defeated the United States 3-0.

Basketball: China-South Korea updateChina's women's basketball team are also fighting for a ticket to the Rio Olympic Games at the Asian Championships in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

China and South Korea are on the court right now competing for a place in the finals.

It is their second encounter at the tournament. China rolled over South Korea 74-58 in a group game.

The other semi-final match up tonight is between Japan and Chinese Taipei.

Mainland, Hong Kong play to goalless draw in World Cup qualifierIn football,Chinese mainland team and Hong Kong played to a goalless draw in the World Cup qualifiers last night in Shenzhen.

The players' shooting accuracy denied the mainland team four chances, as goalkeeper Wang Dalei reflected on after the game.

"We weren't very lucky. We hit the post once and the crossbar twice. Perhaps our shooting accuracy is something we should be working on."With the result, China missed the chance to go to the top of the group and are at a disadvantage in making the next phase of the qualifiers.

The mainland team will next play the Maldives next Tuesday in the northeastern city of Shenyang. It has been turned into a home game for China as the football field in the Maldives was damaged and not suitable for hosting the game.

In other action,Qatar thrashed Bhutan 15-0.

South Korea hammered Laos 8-0.

European football recapElsewhere in football,The hopes of the Netherlands making to the 2016 Euros are hanging by a thread after Iceland edged their 10-man squad 1-0 in a Group A qualifier.

The Dutch team also lost captain Arjen Robben to injury and Bruno Martins Indi to a red card.

The Netherlands are at a distant third place in the group at eight points, compared to Iceland's 18 points and the Czech Republic's 16.

In the same group, it was a 1-1 draw between Turkey and Latvia.

And Italy rose up to top Group H with a 1-0 win over Malta.

Some off-pitch football news,Paris Saint-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a possible move to China.

The Swedish striker's manager has confirmed they have received offers from teams in China, the United States and Turkey.

His manager did not name the Chinese club with the offer but says they will weigh the possibilities after the end of this season.

Thirty-four-year-old Ibrahimovic decided to stay in Paris during the summer transfer season and has one year left on his contract.

High Jumper Zhang Guowei finishes second in season's Diamond StandingsZhang Guowei, Silver medalist in the men's high jump at the IAAF Beijing world championships has won a bronze medal at the event in the Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

With that Zhang finished second in this season's Diamond Standings with nine points.

It is the first time a Chinese athlete has finished within the top three in the Diamond standings.

This is Zhang's last competition of the season. The 24-year-old high jumper is already eyeing a medal at next year's Rio Olympic Games.

In other action from Zurich,Wang Jianan came in fourth place in the men's long jump; and Beijing world championships' runner-up Lv Huihui was seventh in the women's javelin event.

US Open updateIn tennis,Andy Murray battled until the very end to defeat Adrian Mannarino in a five-set thriller in the second round of the US Open.

Murray came from two sets down and regained composure to storm the last three sets 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.

But Mannarino certainly made him suffer.

"I'm proud of the way I fought. It was not an easy match to come through at all. He was making it extremely difficult for me, as well. Thought he played some really, really good tennis. He has such an unorthodox game, I didn't really feel that comfortable at many points out there in the match. But, yeah, I was happy, very happy with the way I fought through that, you know, finished the match stronger than him."Veteran Lleyton Hewitt bowed out of his last US Open after a five-sets defeat over compatriot Bernard Tomic.

Hewitt reflected on some of the things that he will miss at Flushing Meadows.

"Yeah, just great atmosphere like tonight. Especially the night matches are really special at the Open here. I've been fortunate to play in so many long four and five set matches out there on all three of the major courts. You know, it was a great atmosphere out there again tonight."Over on the women's side,China's Wang Qiang crashed out of the second round, going down to her Czech opponent in a tie-breaker in the deciding set.

Petra Cetkovska stunned fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki to reach the third round. Cetkovska saved four match points to win the tie-breaker.

Simona Halep has also made it through earlier today.

And it is China's Zheng Saisai and her partner Vania King in doubles action later tonight.

Cycling updateIn cycling,Trek Factory Racing's Dutch rider Danny van Poppel has won stage 12 of the Vuelta despite suffering a puncture 10 kilometers from the finish line.

Van Poppel lost touch with the peloton at one point in the stage but later fought his way back to sprint to his maiden grand tour victory.

Astana's Fabio Aru retained his overall leader's red jersey.

Over in Canada,Orica GreenEdge's Michael Matthews won a rain-sodden stage two and took the overall lead at the Tour of Alberta.

EntertainmentEducation variety show 'First lesson in school' to air at CCTVEducation variety show 'First Lesson in School' is set to air tonight across China.

The show which began in 2008, is a co-production between China's education ministry and CCTV, the country's largest broadcaster.

The show usually airs at the beginning of each year's fall semester.

Under the theme of 'Long Live the Heroes', this year's show consists of four lessons, including 'Patriotism', 'Courage', 'Unity', and 'Self-improvement'.

The show will be helmed by popular hosts including Dong Qing, He Jiong, Wang Xiaoya and Sa Beining.

Boy band TFBOYS, pop star Huang Zitao and pianist Li Yundi will also join the show to perform.

'First lesson in school' premieres at 8 pm tonight on CCTV-1.

Fans Line up at Midnight in H.K. for Latest 'Star Wars' ToysFans awakened at midnight in Hong Kong for the release of latest "Star Wars" toys and collectibles.

The release is part of a promotion for the upcoming 'Star Wars' movie scheduled for this winter.

Participating cities include Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, London, New York and Rio de Janeiro.

Directed by J.J Abrams, "The Force Awakens" brings back "Star Wars" veterans like Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

The new installment picks up about 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi".

It was confirmed earlier this month that Chinese Kung Fu star Donnie Yen and actor Jiang Wen were cast in a spin-off film "Star Wars: Rogue One".

'Star Wars' fan Edmond Tong said he was "thrilled" to finally see Asian faces in his beloved franchise.

"I think that would be more interesting and I would be more engaged in the movie. Because we imitate western characters when we are cosplaying, if the cast includes Hongkonger or Chinese actors that we are familiar with, we will feel more sense of kinship.""Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released in the US on December 18th.

First China-Italy Film Co-production UnderwayThe production for the first China-Italy film collaboration is underway.

The film, titled "Coffee", is the first feature under the two country's 2014 film cooperation treaty.

The film is directed by Italian director Cristiano Bortone, whose previous works include 'Red Like the Sky'.

'Coffee' includes three stories taking place in Italy, China and Belgium, respectively.

The director said the stories reflected three different flavours of coffee, namely bitter, sour and fruity.

The three story lines intersect at the end of the film.

Shooting has begun in northern Italy in August.

However, it is not clear when the film will be released.

Japan Selects '100 Yen Love' to Compete for Best Foreign-Language Film at OscarsJapan has submitted boxing film '100 Yen Love' as a contender for the best foreign-language film at the Oscars next year.

Directed by Masaharu Take, the film follows a single woman who is inspired by a middle-aged boxer and decides to dive into the sport.

Leading actress Sakura Ando has already won several recognitions with the film in Japan.

The film will now compete with China's 'Wolf Totem' and South Korea's 'The Throne' at the Oscars.

'Wolf Totem' was a China-France co-production, directed by renowned French director Jean Jacques Annaud.

The film follows a young man who becomes fascinated with wolves in Inner Mongolia.

'Wolf Totem' premiered in China in February and grossed more than 110 million US dollars.

The film is set to be released in the US on September 11th.

Of all submissions for the best foreign-language film, nine films will be shortlisted, which will then be whittled down to five nominees. The nominees will be announced on January 14th, 2016.

The 88th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb 28, next year.

New Janet Jackson Album Sets Release DatePop icon Janet Jackson has come back with her latest album 'Unbreakable'.

The full-length album is her first studio album since her brother Michael Jackson passed away in 2009.

A statement on her official site said "the album also will mark the first time Janet Jackson has opened up about her brother Michael and with reflections concerning her youth."The album is now available on iTunes for preorders.

'Unbreakable' will be officially released on October 2nd.

Jackson kicked off her 'Unbreakable World Tour' on Monday in Vancouver.

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

A quick look at the headlines before we go...

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma Vowing to Make China-Africa Summit Successful...

Observers around the world speaking highly of China's Victory Day parade....

And British Prime Minister David Cameron announcing Britain would accept thousands more Syrian refugees...

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