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

Coming up on our program this morning...

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sat down for discussions with the world's business elite at this year's Summer Davos session in Dalian.

New calls are being made for more financial support for grade-school teachers here in China.

The European Commission outlines its proposals to deal with the massive influx of migrants to the continent.

In Business... a series of new orders have been placed for Airbus helicopters at an event in Tianjin.

In Sports.... the semi-final draw for the women's event at the US Open has been set.

In entertainment.... British band Muse is set to perform here in China next week.

Top NewsChinese Premier says Chinese Economy within Proper Range amid PressuresAnchorChinese Premier Li Keqiang has sat down with global business leaders at the Summer Davos session in Dalian, with the current state of the Chinese economy at the top of the agenda.

CRI's Luo Wen has more.

ReporterUsing a popular Chinese quip, Premier Li Keqiang says China has been wrongly-criticized for creating the possibility of a currency war with the recent depreciation of the Renminbi.

"It's like you are shot by a bullet even though you have assumed a prostrate position. After a small-scale depreciation, the exchange rate of the Renminbi is now in a continuous stable state. There is no basis for us to continuously devalue the Renminbi. The economy of China is operating within a reasonable range. We have a sufficient amount of foreign reserves, and the trade surplus is still increasing. All this shows that the Renminbi will be kept in a balanced and stable state and within a reasonable range."Offering further assurance, Li Keqiang says there is no intention of China trying to boost exports through the depreciation of the yuan.

"We are not intending to stimulate exports by devaluating the Renminbi because this is not in accordance with our direction of economic structural adjustments. A continuous depreciation of the yuan will not benefit the internationalization of the Chinese currency. It is not a good policy choice for China. We've already stated our intentions of allowing the Renminbi be part of the IMF's Special Drawing Rights basket. Instead of being a source of global financial risk, we know China remains one of the drivers of global growth. "At the same time, the Premier has also addressed the recent downturn in the Chinese stock markets.

Li Keqiang has told the forum in Dalian the government's intervention in the markets is meant only to prevent systemic risk.

"The measures are normal practice in global markets. They were in no way meant to replace the market or weaken the role of the financial markets. For our next step, we will continue to persist with a market-oriented, law-based system to establish an open and transparent capital market which will enjoy long-term healthy development."On the downward press the Chinese economy currently faces, Li Keqiang has told the group the Chinese economy is stabilizing, despite a slower growth pace.

He also says the slower growth is not going to affect the current strategy of structural adjustments.

"China is promoting the structural reform. In the process, the change of growth engines can lead to some economic fluctuations. This is inevitable. We will keep deepening economic reforms and promoting structural adjustments. The Chinese government is capable of maintaining the economic growth at a medium-to-high level."At the same time, Li Keqiang has also told the crowd of global business leaders the Chinese government is moving to make it easier for foreigners to invest in China.

Arif Masood Naqvi, founder and CEO of the Abraaj Group, is among those who says he appreciates the candid responses from the Premier.

"Fantastic clarity. I really enjoyed it. So he is very clear and very transparent about all the issues that China faces and how China intends to address them. And I think he is also very clear about where the opportunities for foreign investors are. I think that is very refreshing and good to hear a leader to say that. To me people dodge the questions. He was very clear in answering every question."Premier Li Keqiang is set to deliver a keynote speech at the Summer Davos Forum later on this Thursday.

For CRI, I'm Luo Wen.

CRI Reporters Talk with Business Leaders at Summer DavosAnchorBusiness leaders from across the world are in Dalian for the Summer Davos session.

CRI's Luo Yu caught up with Ling Hai, co-president of MasterCard Asia Pacific.

Back anchorLing Hai, co-president of MasterCard Asia Pacific, speaking with CRI's Luo Yu.

At the same time, CRI's Huang Shan had a chance to speak with Rangarajan Vellamore, CEO of Infosys China to discuss China's economic restructuring and the "Internet Plus" campaign.

Back Anchor:

Rangarajan Vellamore, chief executive officer of Infosys China, speaking with CRI's Huang Shan at this year's Summer Davos sessions in Dalian.

China, Jordan announce strategic partnershipThe Chinese and Jordanian governments have signed-off on a new joint agreement to form a strategic partnership.

It follows a meeting yesterday in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and Jordanian King Abdullah.

Both say they hope to advance ties between them through the Chinese-backed Silk Road initiative.

Xi Jinping says the new partnership will include increased Chinese investments in Jordan.

King Abdullah is in China to attend a China-Arab States expo currently underway in the northwestern Chinese region of Ningxia.

China will Develop Relations with Japan: SpokespersonThe Chinese government says it is hoping to maintain its goal of stronger ties with Japan.

The comments come in connection with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe winning a new term as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei says the Chinese side hopes Japan will be forward-looking, while at the same time, reflecting on its past.

"We will maintain a steady and healthy development of the Sino-Japanese relations and this accords with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people. China has always developed relations with Japan in the spirit of making history as mirror and looking into future on the basis of the principles of the four political documents."Shinzo Abe was re-elected as the head of the ruling LDP for another 3-year term this week.

China supports Tajikistan in safeguarding national safety, stabilityThe Chinese government is offering increased security to support Tajikistan.

This follows reports of a failed coup by the country's former deputy Defense Minister.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei.

"We're aware of the attacks on police officers which took place in Tajikistan. China is highly concerned about the events. China and Tajikistan are neighbors and strategic partners. China supports Tajikistan in safeguarding its national safety and stability. China is willing to strengthen security cooperation with Tajikistan to maintain the safety and stability in the two countries and the region."Tajik authorities say the attacks this past week, which left 17 dead, including 8 police officers, were orchestrated by the country's former deputy defense minister.

The attacks targeted a police post on the outskirts of the capital Dushanbe, and a police station in the nearby town.

More Efforts Urged to Help TeachersAnchorNew calls are being made here in China to better compensate primary and secondary school teachers.

The calls come on this, Teachers Day here in China.

CRI's Qi Zhi reports.

ReporterScholar Liu Chengyun says early-childhood education is something that is on-the-radar here in China.

"Primary and secondary education is getting more attention in the country, as more and more people realize it is the base of overall education quality. Cultivating talent depends not only on universities, but also primary and secondary schools."However, surveys among primary and secondary school teachers suggest this understanding has not necessarily translated into results.

A survey conducted by the 21st Century Education Research Institute, an educational think-tank here in China, has found most teachers in the primary and secondary school system say they believe low salaries and a broken evaluation system are still holding back development.

Xiong Bingqi with the 21st Century Education Research Institute says rural teachers are the worst off.

"Some local governments only think about how to improve school facilities, while paying much less-than-expected attention to teachers' salaries, their work evaluation and their future development."Of the roughly 13 million Chinese primary and secondary school teachers in China, more than 3 million are working in rural areas.

Professional evaluations are one of the few ways for them to advance or get more money.

But Xiong Bingqi says the current evaluation system puts teachers in the countryside at a disadvantage.

"The system only favors urban teachers and those who have strong ties with the authorities. And because academic papers play a key role in assessing teachers' work, rural teachers often find it difficult to achieve high scores, as their topic range is limited due to their lack of contact with urban areas."Professor Xiong Bingqi says its time for education authorities to address the issue before it becomes too late.

"The latest survey shows more than 80 percent of teachers in Chinese primary and secondary schools are under pressure at work, mostly because of the evaluation process. Some have resorted to cheating on the process to obtain higher scores. We've also noted decline in passion and even loyalty to the job among teachers. Authorities should understand how important it is to solve problems for teachers and protect their rights."Ahead of Teachers Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote a reply letter to teachers in southwest province of Guizhou.

He spoke highly of the contribution made by those teaching in remote rural areas.

Premier Li Keqiang is also promising more help for rural teachers, and at the same time, is warning local officials not to cut back on education spending.

Changes to the professional evaluation system for primary and secondary school teachers are also being made.

It's expected the changes could allow a primary school teacher with a high professional ranking to earn as much as a college professor.

For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.

Apple releases iPad Pro, new iPhonesApple has unveiled a slew of new products, including a larger iPad tablet, a TV box with its own app store and new iPhones with 3D touch technology that can detect how firmly their screens are being pressed.

Chief Executive Tim Cook has unveiled the new products at the company's annual product dump in San Francisco.

"Today we have the biggest news in iPad since the iPad and I am thrilled to show it to you. This is the iPad Pro."The iPad Pro is aimed mostly at business customers.

The release of the iPad Pro comes amid a decline in the overall sale of iPads.

Meanwhile, Apple's new phones, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, with the new '3D touch technology' go on sale here in China and other parts of the world in just over 2-weeks.

For more on the new Apple products, we are now joined live on the line by our technology correspondent Samuel Duckett. (Mobile: 185 1062 6921)1) Sam, which product impresses you the most?

2) Which of the newly-announced iPhone 6s tech specs do you think will have a big impact on the Chinese Market?

3) How well do you foresee the iPhone 6s doing in the Chinese market in face of competition from local smartphone makers including Huawei?

That was Sam Duckett, CRI's technology correspondent on Apple's latest products.

EU Parliament announces migrant quotasThe European Commission has formalized its proposal to deal with the massive influx of migrants into Europe this year.

22 of the 28 EU member states are being asked to take in 120-thousand more people.

This is on top of the 40-thousand that had already been proposed.

The new quotas are based on a number of factors, including each country's population and GDP.

Germany and France are going to take in almost half.

European Commission vice-President Frans Timmermans says member-states will need to be diligent in how they process the asylum applications.

"So we need to make a clear distinction between those who deserve our solidarity because they flee for war and persecution, and those who might have genuine feelings for seeking a better future, but should not abuse the asylum system to attain that goal. And to do that, we need a combination of solidarity and responsibility."The proposal will still requires approval from a majority of the EU countries.

However, a number of countries have already signaled they aren't willing to accept mandatory quotas.

It's expected as many as 850-thousand people are expected to try to take refuge in Europe over the next 2-years.

Bangkok blast suspect delivered device to bomber: policeThai authorities say one of two men arrested in connection with last month's deadly bombing in Bangkok has confessed to playing a central role in the operation.

Thai police say Yusufu Mieraili has admitted to handing the backpack bomb to the main suspect at the crowded Erawan Shrine moments before it went off.

Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri says they've taken the suspect on a walk-through of the crime scene to re-enact what took place.

"He brought the rucksack which he later believed was the bomb to a man wearing yellow t-shirt at Hua Lamphong where they had an appointment. He put the rucksack on a bench and communicated via What'sApp on a smart phone with another man. He was told that somebody will pick it up, then someone picked it up."The person who placed the bomb at the shrine is still at-large.

The suspected mastermind behind the deadly blast is believed to have fled Bangkok a day before the attack.

Thai authorities say they believe as many as 10-others may be involved.

Park urges N. Korea to embrace reform, open-upSouth Korean President Park Geun-hye is issuing a new call for North Korea to open its doors to the outside world.

"North Korea should now get itself out from its economy-nuclear parallel policy and embrace the way of real development through opening up and innovating. North Korea should talk and communicate, not only with our government, but also with the international society, and find a normal solution for military trust building, arms control in South and North, and denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."Park Geun-hye has made the call as part of a regional security summit, which has included military experts from over 30 countries.

At the same time, the South Korean President is also offering up the prospect of Northeast Asian Development Bank.

She says it would be able to provide funds to help North Korea develop its infrastructure, provided the country abandons its nuclear program.

Myanmar president meets ethnic rebel leader in peace push before November pollsMyanmar President Thein Sein has met with the leaders of ethnic minority groups in a push to try to finalize a peace deal scheduled to be signed at the end of this month.

Thein Sein says a peace deal is essential to help the country move forward.

"I'd like to stress the importance of peace in the transition to democracy. Without peace, it is not possible. I'd like to call on you all to take part in the discussion with genuine desire for peace. I hope today's summit will pave the way to signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement by end September."Representatives from Myanmar's 5 main rebel groups have sent representatives to the talks.

The talks come ahead of a nation-wide election set for November.

Ethnic minority groups in Myanmar have been engaged in decades-long battles with the authorities in Myanmar for more autonomy.

Palace Museum exhibits collection to mark 90th founding anniversaryA collection of valuable paintings and calligraphy has gone on-display at the Forbidden City to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Palace Museum.

The exhibition includes 283 items, all listed as national treasures.

Famous works such as "Letter to Boyuan" and "Painting of Five Oxen" are on display.

Shan Jixiang, curator of the Palace Museum, says the works on display are only a portion of the pieces they've managed to properly restore.

"The Palace Museum has now restored 12-hundred-29 items. Among them are 228 works of calligraphy, as well as 1-thousand-and-1 paintings. This means, in terms of paintings alone, we have more than a thousand pieces. This is something we are very proud of."The exhibition at the Forbidden City will be open until November 8th.

WeatherBeijing will see slight rain with a high of 22 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures should drop down to 15.

Shanghai will be sunny with a high of 29 and a low of 22.

In Chongqing, it will be overcast during the daytime with a high of 30 and lows of 26.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Islamabad will be sunny with a high of 35.

Kabul will be cloudy with a high of 28.

Over to North America,New York will have moderate rain with a high of 30 degrees.

Washington, slight rain with a high of 28 degrees.

Honolulu, slight rain, 29.

Toronto will be overcast with a high of 24 degrees.

Finally, on to South America,Buenos Aires will be cloudy with a high of 15.

And Rio de Janeiro will see slight rain with a high of 26 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsPremier Li says China not to use yuan depreciation to boost exportChinese Premier Li Keqiang has told global business leaders attending this year's Summer Davos session in Dalian that China has no intention of boosting exports through the depreciation of the yuan.

Li Keqiang also says China has no intention of starting a currency war, saying it would be harmful to the government's overall economic plan.

At the same time, the Premier says China will remain one of the drivers of global growth.

Li Keqiang is set to deliver a keynote speech to this year's Summer Davos session later on this Thursday.

China U.S. vow stronger climate change cooperationThe Chinese government is promising closer environmental ties with the United States.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has made the pledge while meeting with senior White House advisor Brian Deese here in Beijing.

China and the US signed a climate change accord in November.

The renewed promise of cooperation comes ahead of the UN Climate Change Summit set for Paris in December.

Repurchase price in Tianjin set as 1.3 times the house market priceThe district government in Tianjin's Binhai New Area has set a repurchase price for homes damaged in last month's deadly blasts at the Port of Tianjin.

Homes damaged in the massive blasts can be sold-off by the owners at 1.3-times the original price.

Those who choose to renovate their homes are also eligible for compensation worth 16-percent of their original home purchase price.

An independent third-party agency has been assigned to determine the market price of these homes before the blast, as well as the value of the damage to the items people had inside their homes at the time of the blast.

Apple releases iPad Pro, new iPhonesApple has unveiled a slew of new products, including a larger iPad tablet, a TV box with its own app store and new iPhones with 3D touch technology that can detect how firmly their screens are being pressed.

The iPad Pro is aimed mostly at business customers.

Its release comes amid a decline in the overall sale of iPads.

Meanwhile, Apple's new phones, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, with the new '3D touch technology' go on sale here in China and other parts of the world in just over 2-weeks.

Kicking woman fired by TV stationIt's now been confirmed the Hungarian camerawoman caught on video tripping refugees earlier this week near the border with Serbia has been sacked.

She was caught on video kicking and tripping up refugees fleeing police at a border collection area on Tuesday.

One incident, which has gained the most traction on the internet, shows her sticking her foot out to trip a man carrying a child.

Another shows her kicking a running child.

The incidents took place as hundreds of refugees broke through a police line at a collection point in southern Hungary.

Biz ReportsAnchorTurning onto business news. First, a quick look at the closing numbers across North America and Europe as well as a recap on the Chinese market.

ReporterU.S. markets reversed early gains to end lower Wednesday, as investors remain cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week.

Wall Street remains focused on the Fed to see if it's going to raise interest rates next week for the first time in more than 9-years.

At the closing bell,The Dow Jones dipped 1.5 percent.

The S&P 500 lost 1.4 percent.

The Nasdaq down 1.2 percent.

New stats from the U.S. Labor Department show the number of available job openings hit 5.8 million on the last business day of July.

This is adding to speculation the Fed is likely going to hike interest rates.

At the same time, declining oil prices, dragged the energy sector down by some 2 percent on Wednesday in New York.

Meanwhile in Europe,The major markets saw continued gains through Wednesday.

At the closing bell,The UK's FTSE 100 upped 1.4 percent.

Germany's DAX soared 0.3 percent.

France's CAC 40 also increased 1.4 percent.

Finally in China,The shares remained in positive territory for the second-consecutive day on Wednesday.

The Shanghai Composite Index gained 2.3 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index jumped 2.9 percent.

Heli-Expo launches with huge order for AirbusAirbus Helicopters, a division of French-based Airbus, has received orders for more than 110 rotorcrafts from three Chinese clients at a helicopter Expo currently underway in Tianjin.

Among the deals, CM International Financial Leasing has agreed to buy 100 Ecureuil-series rotorcraft over 5-years.

Airbus Helicopters has also signed a deal with HEMS999, an air ambulance operator in China, for seven of its light helicopters.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based Government Flying Services has ordered seven helicopters.

Around 200 Airbus civilian helicopters are operating in China.

Alibaba market value drops sharplyAnchorAlibaba this week has announced its expecting its total value of transactions in the second-quarter to be lower than previously thought.

Alibaba now expects its gross merchandise volume to be "mid-single digits lower" than its initial estimates for its current quarter, which ends this month.

GMV is the total value of transactions made on Alibaba's platforms.

It's considered one of the key metrics for e-commerce companies.

Alibaba shares have been on a downward trend for most of this year.

Since launching its massive IPO last year in New York, the company's share price has gone from just over 100-US dollars per share down to slightly over 64-US dollars as of this Thursday.

For more on Alibaba's current situation, we are now joined on the line by Cao Can, CRI's financial commentator.

Q1, What do you think has caused Alibaba's market value to drop so much this year?

Q2, Tencent has seen its share price increase by 15% this year. Why is Tencent's share price rising while Alibaba drops?

Q3, It seems Chinese companies are keen on sports investment. Earlier, property developer Wanda bought the organizer of Ironman Triathlon races. Tencent signed a deal at the beginning of the year that gave it the exclusive rights to stream National Basketball Association (NBA) games for users in China. Where does the potential lie for sports development in China? What's Alibaba's advantage over its opponents in developing sports?

Back anchor:

Cao Can, CRI's financial commentator.

Metro takes the Tmall route in ChinaGerman retailer Metro Group AG is planning to open a store in Tmall to attract more Chinese shoppers.

The online shop is expected to sell products from Metro's private labels.

Metro already has its own e-commerce platform in China.

The retailer pulled in revenues of nearly 3-billion U.S. dollars in China in 2014.

China new energy vehicle output surges in AugustOfficial data shows August has seen a four-fold increase in new energy vehicle production here in China.

Over 24-thousand new energy vehicles were put out by automakers in China last month.

Around two-thirds are passenger vehicles.

The remainders are commercial vehicles.

More than 120-thousand new energy vehicles have been pumped out in China through the first 8-months of this year.

Shenzhen-based BYD is hoping to sell around 60-thousand new energy vehicles this year.

However, the company only sold just over 20-thousand through the first-half.

Hang Seng Bank starts selling premium health insurance packHang Seng Bank, Hong Kong's biggest listed lender, has begun selling premium health insurance packages in the mainland market.

Heng Seng is teaming up with Shanghai-based Alltrust Insurance and healthcare company Bupa International to sell its insurance products.

The package targets people ranging in age from 30 to 50 on the mainland.

Baosteel executive flouts frugalityAn executive of Shanghai-based Baosteel Group has been dismissed for breaking the Party's frugality rules.

Vice General Manager Zhao Kun has been sacked for spending company money on personal expenses.

The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has made the final decision.

Zhao Kun has also been removed as president of Guangdong Shaoguan Steel, one of Baosteel's subsidiaries.

SportsPennetta Defeats Kvitova in Three Sets to Reach Women's SemisIn tennis from US Open,Taiwan's Yung-Jan Chan and her partner Rohan Bopanna are taking on reigning Wimbledon champions Martina Hingis and Leander Paes in mixed doubles for a spot in the semi-finals.

This is the first meeting between the only seeds left in the mixed-doubles competition.

----------------In women's singles,Petra Kvitova has been bounced, going down in the quarter-finals to Italy's Flavia Pennetta in a 3-set battle.

"Yeah, of course. I'm disappointing that I lost today for sure, but on the other side, I think I have a lot of positive things to take from the tournament. You know, it wasn't really easy situation. I'm just very -- I'm kind of proud of myself how I played here, anyway. I didn't really practice that much before. Everything was just like puzzles to take it together somehow and just take it together somehow and everything. Of course, I wish to play tomorrow semi-final, but on the other side is good."This is the second time the 26th seeded Pennetta has reached semi-finals of the US Open.

Penetta is set to take on 2nd seed Simona Halep.

The young Romanian narrowly survived a 3-setter against 20th seeded Victoria Azarenka, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to move to the semi-finals.

----------Flavia Pennetta is also competing in women's doubles.

Pennetta and her Italian partner Sara Errani are taking on Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza for a place in the final this morning.

----------On the men's side,Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland is taking on Kevin Anderson from South African for a place in the last four later this morning.

Kevin Anderson is now seeking the first Grand Slam semifinal in his career.

The other match will see the 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer taking on France's Richard Gasquet.

China announces squad for Asian ChampionshipIn basketball,China's men's team has revealed its line-up for the forthcoming Asian Championships.

Guo Ailun has made the final list, having just returned to the national team from the Olympic team two weeks ago.

He joins Yi Jianlian, Li Gen, Zhou Peng and 8 others for the championship in Changsha later this month.

China is currently ranked 2nd in Asia, behind Iran.

Meanwhile, Li Gen, who played for the Beijing Ducks last season, has signed with Xinjiang for the forthcoming CBA season.

His salary has not been made public.

He won the CBA title with the Beijing Ducks this past season.

China Beat Japan 1-0In football,China's under-18 men's football team has defeated Japan 1-0 in the CFA International Youth Tournament in Qingdao.

It was Wei Zhen notching the goal for China.

It's China's first win at the tournament.

-----------In off-pitch football news,Jordan's Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has officially announced his bid for the FIFA presidency.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today I stand before you and the world. With me are my brothers and sisters of Jordan, the heart of the Arab world and the crossroads of continents, religions, cultures and civilizations. I stand with the people who love football as I do, people who love justice and fair play. People who know in their hearts the power of the sport to change lives for the better. Friends I stand here in this ancient place, in the timeless heart of Amman to once again launch my candidacy for the presidency of FIFA."The 39-year-old ran in the previous FIFA election in May, eventually bowing out to Sepp Blatter.

The election for the FIFA Presidency will be held in February.

Wang Lizhuo Gets Another Gold at National Swimming ChampionshipsIn swimming,Wang Lizhuo has won the men's 50-meter breaststroke at the Chinese National Swimming Championships in Anhui.

"I did pretty well in warm-ups. But I am not satisfied with my performance overall. I did much better in the preliminary heats. All in all, don't think I did my best tonight."In the men's 100-meter freestyle,He Jianbin from Guangdong claimed the title.

-----------------Li Zhuhao from Zhejiang has taken gold in men's 100-meter butterfly.

His teammate Xu Jiayu has won the men's 100-meter backstroke.

-----------------On the women's side,Henan's Zhang Xinyu has taken the women's 200-meter breaststroke.

"I was lucky today as Shi Jinglin did not compete in the match. This is not my best performance in career, but is the best one this year. I was very relaxed today."Shi Jinglin is the current world champion.

-----------In women's 100-meter backstroke,It's was Chen Jie from Hubei dominating the event.

China Loses to Jordan in Basketball TourneyIn basketball,The Chinese Olympic team is set to take on the UAE later on this Thursday at an international basketball tournament underway in Ningxia.

This comes on the heels of a 72-70 loss to Jordan last night.

The tournament itself is a four-team event involving China, the UAE, Pakistan and Jordan.

--------In European basketball.

Israel has downed Poland 75-71 to book a place in the knockout phase of this year's Eurobasket Championships.

27-year-old Gal Mekel led Israel with 18 points.

Poland will now have to beat Finland in their final game to follow France and Israel into the knockout stages of the event.

St Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3In Major League Baseball,Matt Carpenter tripled and scored twice to help the St. Louis past the Chicago Cubs 4-3 earlier this morning.

The NL Central leaders scored three times in the eighth inning to avoid their first home sweep of the season.

The victory brings the Cardinals' three-game losing streak to an end.

Despite this, the Cards still have the best record in baseball at 88-51, and still sit 5-games ahead of Pittsburgh in the NL Central.

The Pirates are up against Cincinnati later this morning.

While 5-back of the Cardinals, Pittsburgh has a firm hold on an NL Wild Card spot, as do the Cubs, despite their loss today to St. Louis.

-------In other action,The Baltimore Orioles will take on the NY Yankees, with the Bronx Bombers hoping to rebound from their loss yesterday, which put them 1.5-games back of Toronto for the AL East Pennant.

The NY Mets are looking to extend their lead in the NL East as they take on the Washington Nationals.

The Mets currently sit 6-games ahead of the Nationals in the NL East standings.

Washington is 9-games back of a Wild-Card spot.

EntertainmentMuse to debut in China next weekBritish band Muse is all set to rock Beijing and Shanghai later this month.

The band is known for using symphonies, choirs and synthesizers to create rock sounds.

It will be its first tour of China.

The band began in the early 1990s in the English county of Devon.

Their successful debut album, Showbiz, was released towards the end of that decade and featured hit singles such as Sunburn and Unintended.

One of their biggest moments came in 2012, when they performed their song, Survival, at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London.

The band now boasts seven studio albums that have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and a string of awards.

Katy Perry, designer Jeremy Scott get handprints in cement at Chinese TheatreJeremy Scott has become the first fashion designer to have his handprints immortalized in cement at Los Angeles' TLC Chinese Theatre in a dual ceremony with recording artist Katy Perry.

Katy Perry says Jeremy Scott is a much needed breath of fresh air in the fashion industry.

"Make some noise if you love Jeremy Scott. Isn't he a breath of fresh air, the one that we need in the fashion industry?"Jeremy Scott says he is honored to be the first fashion designer to do this.

"I'm so honored to be the first fashion designer to ever do this. I'm going to cry, if I can get it out. It's such an honor to imagine that my hands are going to be immortalized where I've been so inspired by so many of the icons of cinema and pop culture, who've graced this amazing theater -- and to do it with my best friend, who I love and adore."Scott has created many designs for Perry and numerous other celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton.

The designer and his famous clients are featured in a documentary "Jeremy Scott: The People's Designer," to be released on 18 Sept in the US.

The film recounts Scott's journey from small-town Missouri to becoming Italian fashion house Moschino's creative director in New York.

TLC Chinese Theatre boasts nearly 200 celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs set in its Forecourt of the Stars on Hollywood Boulevard.

Hillary Clinton apologizes for email scandal on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"Hillary Clinton has made an appearance in the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", touching on issues including equal rights and her email scandal.

When host Ellen DeGeneres pointed out that, if Clinton was indeed elected to the White House, she would be among the oldest presidents to take office Hillary had a quick, witty comeback"The way I look at it is that I'd be the youngest woman ever elected president of the United States."Clinton also says she is sorry for using her personal email account when she served as the Secretary of State.

"I used a personal email account. It was allowed by the (US) State Department. But, I should have used two different accounts. I made a mistake and I'm sorry for all the confusion that has ensued and I take responsibility for that. But I'm now trying to be as transparent as not just I can but as anybody has ever had been."Clinton's appearance on the popular talk show is the latest attempt to shore up voter confidence after a fall-out over Clinton's email scandal.

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

Recapping our top stories this morning...

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sat down for discussions with the world's business elite at this year's Summer Davos session in Dalian.

New calls are being made for more financial support for grade-school teachers here in China.

The European Commission outlines its proposals to deal with the massive influx of migrants to the continent.

In Business... a series of new orders have been placed for Airbus helicopters at an event in Tianjin.

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.