The Beijing Hour

 

Evening Edition

 

 

Spencer Musick with you on this Tuesday September 22nd 2015.

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

Coming up on the program this evening...

Chinese President Xi Jinping has left Beijing and is on route to Seattle for the first leg of his state visit to the United States....

British Chancellor of the Exchequer making a speech on the floor of the Shanghai Stock Exchange...

And residents in the capital of Ethiopia expressing joy over the operation of a Chinese-built light-rail project...

In Business...The so-called "Negative List" to go nationwide in China in 2018...

In Sports...a look ahead at action in the Chinese Super League...

And in Entertainment...a Wagner opera to be staged here in the Chinese capital...

 

 

Top News

 

 

Chinese president leaves for US visit, UN summits

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing Tuesday afternoon for his U.S. visit and attendance at a series of UN summits.

President Xi will pay a state visit to the United States from Sept. 22 to 25 at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama.

At the invitation of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Xi will visit the UN headquarters in New York to attend a series of summits to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations from Sept. 26 to 28.

 

 

Xi Jinping receives written interview the Wall Street Journal

 

Before setting off for the United States, Xi Jinping conducted a written interview with the Wall Street Journal.

He says China will not change its policy on foreign investment nor the protection of the lawful rights and interests of foreign companies in China.

He promises to further give equal and fair treatment to all market players, including foreign-invested companies in China, and welcome all forms of cooperation between transnational corporations and their Chinese counterparts.

Xi Jinping also pledges to continue the reform of the RMB exchange rate formation regime in the direction of market operation.

Asked about the intensified anti-corruption efforts, Xi Jinping says the fight against corruption will never end and that the zero tolerance policy against corruption will never change.

He also says fighting corruption will help build a clean government, remove hurdles that impede market operations, promote fair rules and bring about a better investment and business environment.

 

 

Seattle Ready to Host Xi

 

Anchor:

The city of Seattle in Washington State has been in the spotlight ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's first stop there later on this Tuesday.

CRI's Min Rui reports.

Reporter:

Many Chinese got to know Seattle through two films: Sleepless in Seattle and Finding Mr. Right.

Now, the city comes back into the limelight with Chinese President Xi Jinping set to arrive for his first official state visit to the United States.

Seattle Mayor Edward Murray is proud of the role his city plays in boosting bilateral trade and cooperation.

"When the United States and China normalized relations, the first ship from China came to Seattle. Washington State is where Seattle sits. Our No.1 trading partner is China and we do more trade with China than any other state in the United States. In addition, we have a large Chinese-American population and feel proud of their heritage. And we share so many things in common in regard to our technology, our interest in innovation and addressing issues of climate sustainability."

Tao Wenzhao with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says there are multiple reasons for the city to be picked as the first stop of President Xi Jinping's visit.

"Seattle plays an important role in boosting trade, commercial and academic exchanges between China and the US. We know the city is home to giant companies like Boeing and Microsoft. So it's not strange for the city to become President Xi Jinping's first stop this time."

During his time in Washington State, the Chinese leader will also make a stop in the port city of Tacoma.

Tacoma City formed sister-city ties with China's Fuzhou City 21 years ago with the support from Xi Jinping, the then party chief of Fuzhou.

Connie Bacon, commissioner of Tacoma Port, still keeps photos she took with Xi Jinping after the signing ceremony for the sister-city agreement over two decades ago.

Bacon will be present at the welcome dinner held for President Xi Jinping when he visits the State of Washington.

She says she will like to express her gratitude to Xi Jinping.

"I wanted to thank him for his support in making the sister city arrangement happen. Because had he not been willing, it wouldn't have happened. And because it happened, we have the long-standing, very successful, very mutually beneficial opportunity."

China is a significant source of income for Washington State.

Trade between the state of Washington and China hit close to 3-billion yuan last year.

For CRI, I'm Min Rui.

 

 

Sino-U.S. Relationship 'Not a Zero-sum Game': U.S. Official

 

A top U.S. foreign policy official says that China-U.S. relationship is not a zero-sum game.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice made the comments on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to the US this week.

"It's natural that China takes on greater leadership to match its economic development and growing capabilities. When China is invested in helping resolve regional and global problems, the United States — and the world — benefits. We want the Chinese people to succeed. When China and the United States work together, the world is more secure and more prosperous. That's the truth."

Rice contends the US has deepened its engagement with China at every level under the Obama administration, maximizing cooperation on areas of mutual interest while confronting and managing disagreements.

She also adds that President Obama will continue frank and comprehensive discussions when he welcomes President Xi to the White House, saying that building a stable and resilient relationship with China will be the focus of American foreign policy.

 

 

China and US to Jointly Address Cyber Security Issue

 

Anchor:

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said both China and the US have a common need and interest in the field of cyber security.

CRI's Xie Cheng reports.

Reporter:

The issue of cyber security is one of the important factors that have long topped the concerns between China and the U.S.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai says that joint efforts would be needed from both countries to address the issue of cyber security.

"The United States is the most advanced country, technologically speaking, in cyber space, while China has the largest number of internet users. So we do have a common need and common interest to respond to the cyber threat, to manage cyber space and make sure that it would not be disruptive to the economic and social functions of the two countries. "

For his part, White House Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes says many constructive discussions have been taking place regarding cyber security between the two countries.

"I wouldn't say that there's been some formal agreement that's been reached. But I do think that we've had constructive discussions about what does that framework look like, how we can address these issues, not purely as competitors, but also as two countries that have a stake in a world in which business can operate without fear that their secrets are going to be stolen by cyber actors."

Cui Tiankai also expressed the hope that the two sides will work more closely to address a range of cyber security-related issues.

"I believe the two countries have to focus on this common need, try to work out a set of rules or joint approach, to deal with this new issue, rather than accusing each other and having some conflicts, even confrontations in this area. Because it will not help us to solve the problem, it will only make things worse for both countries."

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.

 

 

Agricultural cooperation crucial for US-China relationship: official

 

The US secretary of agriculture says that agricultural cooperation between the United States and China has been developing fast and playing an important role in the US-China relationship.

Secretary Tom Vilsack made the remarks ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to the United States.

He said Xi Jinping has been a strong proponent of promoting agriculture and he's looking forward to the Chinese president's visit.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for President Obama and President Xi to have a conversation about the need for China to essentially synchronize its regulatory system with the rest of the world in terms of innovation. I know the President is quite interested in encouraging and increasing innovation in Chinese agriculture. I would characterize our relationship in agriculture as a close and important one."

He focused on the fact that the two countries happen to be the two largest producers of agricultural products in the world and have a very strong trading relationship.

"In terms of innovation, it really is about making sure that we have multiple opportunities to communicate - researchers in this country talking to researchers in China, farmers in this country talking to farmers in China, policy makers talking to one another and presidents of each country talking about agricultural innovation."

A strategic dialogue on agricultural innovation will be held between the two sides this month.

 

 

Xi's Visit Expected to Enhance Mutual Trust

 

Anchor:

Observers from both China and the United States are suggesting Chinese President Xi Jinping's time in the US should be used to work on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.

CRI's Qi Zhi has more.

Reporter:

John L. Thornton, co-chair of board of the Brookings Institute, says most observers expect the Chinese president's time in the US will be focused mostly on economics.

Thornton says one of Xi Jinping's missions will be to convince US policy makers that China's economy is something the United States and the world simply can't live without.

"I think it's very important that President Xi make very clear to both American leaders, and American business people, and the American public, that China has been on a course of reform and opening for almost 40 years, and that trend is simply going to continue. And China's economy has been growing and becoming of higher quality, and that trend is simply going to continue. And China is becoming more interdependent in inter-related to the world economy, and the world's become more inter-related to the Chinese economy, and that trend is simply going to continue."

At the same time, Fan Jishe with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says he expects the US side to be more direct when it comes to dealing with China.

"The US is worried about uncertainties in China's future development as well as China's possible challenge to its leading role in the western Pacific and the current world order. So it presses ahead with its Return to Asia strategy, the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and relations with its allies. They should have a look at the firm foundation of the Sino-US cooperation. They really worry too much."

Among the issues to be covered as part of Xi Jinping's time in the US will be talk about a bilateral investment treaty, the South China Sea and cyber security.

For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.

 

 

China makes great progress in gender equality, women's development

 

Anchor:

China's State Council Information Office issued a white paper on gender equality and women's development Tuesday, providing a comprehensive view of China's progress in this field over the past 20 years.

CRI's Niu Hongling has more.

Reporter:

The white paper is published ahead of the global women summit set on September 27th at the UN headquarters in New York, at which Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech.

Hu Kaihong, spokesman for the State Council Information Office, presided over the press conference Tuesday morning and introduced the white paper on gender equality.

"The white paper expounds the relevant policies and proposals, which help the international community promote their understanding about China, push the gender equality and women's development, and enhance China's dialogue, communication and cooperation with the world."

The white paper says China has always upheld the constitutional principle of equality between men and women, which is also a basic state policy for promoting progress in the country and in society.

Chinese women make up one fifth of the world's total female population. Over the years China has improved its laws and regulations, developed public policies, and worked out development plans to improve the country's gender equality and women's development.

Song Xiuyan is the deputy director of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council.

"China completes the legal system on protecting women's legitimate rights, promotes the gender equality in the law system, thoroughly implements the basic state policy of gender equality, and pushes the process of social gender mainstreaming."

The white paper also says China has made progress in many aspects to improve gender equality, including setting up a mature national mechanism and improving government organs for promoting the status of women, creating a social and cultural environment conducive to boosting gender equality, promoting equality in education, and accelerating the building of a socialist country under the rule of law.

Song says the country has made great efforts to ensure women's equal participation in economic activities and equitable access to economic resources.

"China pushes the coordinated development of women and economic society. China's gender equality and women's development have seen remarkable achievements with women's rights for equal job opportunities guaranteed. Women accounted for 45 percent in total employed population in 2013."

The white paper is also published to mark the 20th anniversary of the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women that was held in Beijing back in 1995.

For CRI, I'm Niu Hongling.

 

 

UK finance minister speaks at Stock Exchange

 

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has pledged to work towards linking China and Britain's stock markets.

He made his comments during a speech on the trading floor of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

"I very deliberately chose to come here - to the Shanghai Stock Exchange – to the epicentre of the volatility in financial markets this summer to say this: Whatever the headlines, regardless of the challenges, we shouldn't be running away from China. And my message is clear. Through the ups and downs, let's stick together. Let's stick together to grow our economies, let's stick together to make Britain China's best partner in the West. Let's stick together and create a golden decade for both of our countries. Britain and China will stick together."

He also highlights the important significance regarding the formal connection between stock markets in Shanghai and in London.

"Connecting our stock exchanges means more jobs, more investment, higher living standards in both our countries. A win. A win for China and a win for Britain."

Osborne's visit to Shanghai is part of a five-day trip to China that saw him meet with Chinese officials in Beijing yesterday.

He'll also pay visits to southwest China's Sichuan Province as well as northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

 

 

Construction begins on 6 billion yuan Guangdong-Macao rail link

 

Underground construction on the Guangzhou-Zhuhai light rail project has began in Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province.

The 40-kilometer extension will pass through Zhuhai's Hengqin Port, where passengers can transfer to the Macao light rail.

Huang Jun, manager of the construction project explained why it is difficult to build the railway.

"The stratum here is complex with silt on the upper layer and hard rock below that. This kind of structure is vulnerable to incur cave-ins or collapse while tunneling. We have taken a series of steps to ensure safety of the tunnel, like using geological forecasts in advance and associated technologies to conduct timely backfill grouting."

The project is expected to improve transportation between the Hengqin Free Trade Area and Macao.

 

 

Residents in Ethiopia's capital express joy over operation of Chinese-built rail project

 

Anchor:

Residents of Addis Ababa have expressed their joy over the commencement of operation of the Chinese-built light rail in the capital of the East African country.

CRI's Guo Yan reports.

Reporter:

The south-north line now opened to traffic is nearly 17 kilometers long and has 22 stops, covering most of the important places in Addis Ababa.

The ticket for the whole trip is two to six dollars for each person, much cheaper than the local bus service.

A staff member from one light rail station says she is fully prepared for the operation.

"I am very happy because we can officially start working. We have received full training in such subjects as how to sell tickets and how to reply to queries from passengers. We are ready."

During the construction period, the China Railway Group, which is responsible for the project, has employed about 20,000 local workers, and trained a large group of technical people in management and operation.

According to the Ethiopian government, the light rail service operates 16 hours a day, carrying an estimated 7,500 passengers.

Mohammed is an Ethiopian passenger. He says that the light rail will greatly ease the traffic congestions in the capital city.

"The operation of a light rail service is of great significance for our country, because traffic congestions are a headache for most of us. We used to spend a lot of time waiting for buses, now that the problem has been solved. A light rail service can carry many more passengers than buses. Our country is getting better."

Early on Monday, Ethiopia has inaugurated a modern rail project which were funded and built mainly by Chinese companies.

The light rail system is the first of its kind that has ever been built in the region, south of Sahara in Africa.

Chinese foreign ministry has noted that the light rail transit system in the Ethiopian capital will greatly improve local traffic capacity and bring convenience to local commuters.

Authorities also expect the project to help create an economic belt along the route, enhancing exchanges of people and goods along the line and having a positive influence on the county's economy.

For CRI, I'm Guo Yan.

 

 

UN Secretary-General calls for global ceasefire

 

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a global ceasefire with killings and destruction stopped as well as space created for lasting peace.

He made the comments at the Peace Bell ceremony opening a series of events at the UN Headquarters honoring the annual International Day of Peace, which fell on Monday.

"All of us are reserved to work for peace. Around the world people cherish this dream in their heart. I call on all warring parties to observe a global ceasefire. This may not happen today, but just as surely as striking this Bell makes a sound, we will continue to hammer this point and demand peace."

Ban Ki-moon adds that while people live at a moment of great peril, it is also an era of great promise.

Leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 Agenda, the 15-year plan to achieve the sustainable development fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.

The International Day of Peace, set up in 1981 by the UN General Assembly to coincide with the opening of its session, is held annually on the third Tuesday of September.

The theme of this year's event is "Partnerships for Peace -- Dignity for All."

 

 

Japan's Okinawa expresses objection over US military base at UN Human Rights Council

 

The Okinawa governor from Japan attended the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for the first time to address the issue of the relocation of the U.S. military base at Futenma.

The governor, Orateur Ong, says the expansion of the military base violates the local environment and human rights.

Ong stresses that Okinawa people have the right to decide for themselves over the issue of U.S. military base rather than being abducted by Japanese and U.S. authorities.

U.S. military base at Futenma will be relocated to Henoko in Okinawa according to the agreement between the U.S. and Japanese governments.

 

 

Re-elected Greek Prime Minister to face initial challenges

 

Re-elected Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will face challenges as the Greek economy is still in a fragile state.

He says demanding debt relief from the country's European creditors will be his "first big battle."

"We are committed and dedicated to do anything in our power in order for the country and the people to exit this tremendous hardship, for our country to become once again powerful, an equal partner within the European Union and our people proud and dignified."

Tsipras was sworn in on Monday after winning 35 percent of the votes in Sunday's election.

Panos Kammenos, leader of the right-wing Independent Greeks party, won 3.7 percent of the votes. His party will ally with Syriza to form a coalition.

Tsipras has signed Greece's third bailout package in five years. His re-election offers him a second chance to steer the country out of its economic misery.

With a majority in parliament, Tsipras and Kammenos will have to implement the tough bailout program they negotiated.

Political commentator Pavlos Tsimas says June 2016 will be a threshold for the new government.

"The agreement between Greece and the European partners provides that everything should be done by June 2016. If they can make it and reach June 16, then it's over. Then this government may have an easy life and might have something to look up to, a return to growth."

Tsimas says the new government must keep the bailout on track if Greece hopes to receive any more money from its lenders.

 

 

Colombian, Venezuelan presidents agree to overcome border crisis

 

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro have reached an agreement in a bid to address the border crisis between the two countries.

After five hours of discussion, Santos and Maduro came to a conclusion on seven points, including the immediate return of ambassadors and a high-level meeting between ministers of both nations to address border issues.

Venezuelan President Maduro acknowledges that reaching the agreement was no easy task.

"The meeting hasn't been without complications and difficulties, due to the delicate and sensitive issues, but we've demonstrated that with political will, it is possible."

Tensions have been rising for the past few weeks as Colombia said Venezuelan aircraft had violated its airspace and that Venezuelan troops had crossed the border and burned a motorcycle.

But Colombia's Santos is ready to move past the impasse.

"I expressed with complete sincerity to President Maduro that we respect all that Venezuela has done. If it wants to close the border, if it wants to deport Colombians who didn't have their papers in order; it's within their right. The only thing we ask is that they respect the rights of these Colombians and that there be due process."

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa hosted the dialogue at the Carondelet presidential palace in the capital Quito.

Ecuador now holds the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

 

 

Headline News

 

 

Chinese president leaves for US visit, UN summits

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing Tuesday afternoon for his U.S. visit and attendance at a series of UN summits.

President Xi will pay a state visit to the United States from Sept. 22 to 25 at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama.

At the invitation of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Xi will visit the UN headquarters in New York to attend a series of summits to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations from Sept. 26 to 28.

 

 

UK finance minister speaks at Stock Exchange

 

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has pledged to work towards linking China and Britain's stock markets.

He made his comments on Tuesday during a speech on the trading floor of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Osborne also highlights the important significance regarding the formal connection between stock markets in Shanghai and in London.

His visit to Shanghai is part of a five-day trip to China that saw him meet with Chinese officials in Beijing yesterday.

He'll also pay visits to southwest China's Sichuan Province as well as northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

 

 

Shanghai aims big for sports

 

Shanghai will build more public sports facilities and develop industries related to sports to become a "world famous sports city" by 2025.

Vice Mayor Zhao Wen says that the city will spend over US$47 billion by 2025 in sports related services, and more medium- and small-size sports venues will be built to ensure every citizen has an average of 2.6 square meters of public area for sports activities.

Schools will be encouraged to open their sports facilities to the public, while students will be guaranteed at least one hour of sports activity in school everyday. The city government hopes over 45 percent citizens will participate in some kind of sports activity in the next 10 years.

 

 

S.Korea keeps cautious stance on U.S. missile defense deployment

 

South Korea's newly-named air force chief of staff has showed a cautious stance on the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system on the Korean Peninsula.

Jeong Kyeong-doo, who was appointed a week ago, said on Tuesday that the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense has both merits and demerits from the military perspective.

His comments are in line with the position of the defense ministry of South Korea, which has maintained the so-called "strategic ambiguity" on the issue.

 

 

Brazil announces special visa renewal for Syrian refugees

 

The Brazilian government has announced that it would renew its special visas for Syrian refugees.

The emergency humanitarian visas issued by the Brazilian government are about to expire, and the renewal would be valid for two years.

The decision was announced by the country's National Committee for Refugees.

According to the committee, such special visas differed from regular ones in that they involved less bureaucratic red tape. Syrians only have to submit proof of their identity and nationality to obtain the special visas.

Syrians can move freely within the country, and around 70 percent have settled in Sao Paulo.

 

 

Biz Reports

 

 

Stocks

 

Anchor:

Time to check the business news, first take a look at the closing numbers across the Asian market

this Tuesday evening, joining us on the desk is CRI's Wang Mengzhen.

Reporter:

Chinese shares continued their gains on Tuesday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.9 percent to finish above 3100 points.

This comes as UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered a keynote speech on the floor of the Shanghai Stock exchanges this afternoon.

The finance minister spoke highly of the feasibility of a link between the Shanghai and London Stock exchanges.

Prior to his US trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping went on-record saying that the recent market volatility was mainly due to previous rapid surges and big fluctuations in the international market.

President Xi also believes that the market has entered a stage of self-correction and adjustment thanks to a package of measures taken.

At close, the Shenzhen Component Index also gained 0.6 percent.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's growth enterprises, ended almost flat today.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index closed 0.2 percent higher.

Elsewhere in Asia:

Japanese stocks extended losses, with the Nikki down nearly 2 percent.

South Korea's KOSPI advanced 0.9 percent.

In Singapore, the Strait Times Index was off half a percent.

Australia's ASX 200 added 0.7 percent.

 

 

Euronext joins hands with Shanghai stock exchange on market data

 

Euronext, the first pan-European stock exchange, has teamed up with Shanghai Stock Exchange to promote its cash, derivatives, commodities and index data in China.

Euronext and SSE plan to refine the data packages available to reflect the specific demand for the Euronext data.

Euronext says the partnership will further enhance the visibility of Euronext's listed companies, markets and products as well as facilitate Chinese investment in the European market.

On the other hand, the cooperation could be a further step for the Shanghai Stock exchanges to go global.

Euronext is the primary exchange in the euro zone with more than 1,300 issuers worth 3.6 trillion US dollars.

 

 

UK guarantee on China nuclear plant

 

Anchor:

On the sideline of UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne's China visit, George Osborne has announced a UK government pledge of 2-billion pounds for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

A pair of Chinese state-backed Nuclear power producers are to be involved in its construction.

The proposed plant is being described as 'essential' as ageing nuclear and coal-fired power plants are retired over the next 10 years.

Hinkley Point is expected to be Britain's first new nuclear power station in some 20-years.

Reports say the final decision on the scope of Chinese investment in the plant could be announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK next month.

For more on the project, CRI's Paul James earlier spoke with Gao Shang, Senior analyst with Guantong Futures.

Back anchor:

Gao Shang, senior analyst with Guantong Futures, speaking with CRI's Paul James.

 

 

'Negative list' to go nationwide in China in 2018

 

China has vowed to apply its "negative list" system nationwide by the year of 2018.

An official statement issued early this week suggests the practice of opening all sectors except a proscribed few will be expanded gradually between 2015 and 2017, before a nationwide negative list is established in 2008.

This will help foreign investors gain more access to Chinese market as well as streamline government administration.

The list, issued by the state council, China's cabinet, has left prohibitions or restrictions on foreign investment in several sectors.

The system has been piloted in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone since 2013.

Last Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed that China's economy must open wider to the world to fuel national growth.

 

 

ADB lowers Asian economic growth forecast to 5.8 percent in 2015

 

The Asian Development Bank has lowered its annual growth forecasts for Asia to 5.8 percent this year, down from a 6.3% prediction in March.

This comes on the heels of slowing growth in both China and India, affecting demand in Asian economies.

According to ADB's new report, Asia is also expected to grow by 6% in 2016,

At the same time, the Philippines-based bank estimates that the Chinese economy will grow by 6.8% this year, down from a 7.2% set expectation earlier.

The forecast for Indian economic growth has also been lowered to 7.4% due to weaker external demand and slower reforms.

 

 

China enjoys boost in second-hand cars sales

 

China has witnessed a sales surge in second-hand cars by top automakers as more buyers seek low-cost and high-quality cars.

In the first half of the year, BMW delivered over 13 thousand units of second-hand cars, up 58 percent from last year.

Mercedes-Benz and Audi, have also seen rising sales of used cars, up 33 percent and 55 percent respectively year on year.

Harald Mayer, vice president of BMW Brilliance Automotive, showed his optimism on China's second-hand cars market.

"If you compare to other mature markets, the U.S. or Germany or UK, the ratio between new car and used car is totally different. For example, in the U.S., for one new car sold, three used cars are sold. Here in China, one new car sold, 0.3 used car are sold. Just by judging from the figures, there's a big potential here."

At the same time, new data suggests that total sales of used vehicles in China have increased 5.8 percent year on year, reaching 4.6 million units in the first half of this year.

This comes despite the stagnant sales of new cars by luxury auto brands in China since earlier this year.

Among them, sales of Jaguar Land Rover were down by over 28 percent in the first 7 months of this year.

 

 

Volkswagen's US head admits dishonesty in emissions tests

 

The boss of Volkswagen's US branch has admitted the automaker was dishonest in using software for the emissions tests.

This comes after US regulator accused Volkswagen diesel cars of having much higher emissions than the previous tests result last Friday.

Following this, Volkswagen has been ordered to recall half a million cars in the US.

Meanwhile, France has called for a Europe-wide inquiry, while South Korea has summoned Volkswagen officials to discuss the emission tests.

In response to the scandal, share price of Volkswagen fell over 6 percent in the Frankfurt stock exchange this morning, following a over 17 percent plunge yesterday.

 

 

Sports

 

 

Chinese Super League games to come

 

Now lets look into some super league games coming soon:

For games on Saturday:

Guizhou Renhe will be playing recent victors Guangzhou Evergrande.

and Shandong Luneng will face off against Shanghai SIPG.

Also playing will be Shijiazhuang Ever bright going against Shanghai Greenland Shenhua

And for Sunday:

Guangzhou R&F will play Tianjin Teda

Beijing Guan will face Shanghai Shenxin

Chongchun Yatai will play Hangzhou Greentown

Jiangsu Sainty will face chongqing Lifan

and finally, Liaoning Whowin will play Henan Jianye

 

 

Boris Shilevsky wins Poyang Lake Tour

 

Now for some news in bike racing:

Chinese RTS-Santic racing team member Boris Shpilevsky was the victor of the Poyang Lake Tour on Sunday in east China's Jiangxi Province.

The wet conditions during the race brought stress for competitors as they battled to for first.

Shpilevsky went head-to-head with fellow racer Benjamin Hill in the sprint towards the finish.

Shplievsky won by a hair, giving him an important career title.

 

 

IOC approves of South Korea's Olympic construction

 

Now for some Olympic news:

The International Olympic Committee members, led by coordination commission chair Gunilla Lindberg, attended a ground-breaking ceremony of an athlete village for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang South Korea.

IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg stated that this facility is the excellent place to house international athletes.

"It is the place where athletes from all other continents, of this planet actually, live as one in peace and harmony. It is a model for what our world would like, as those with different backgrounds find a common identity as Olympians for the Olympic values. The Olympic Village is always a special place and this village will be no exception."

The facilities construction is due to be completed in 2017 and will house 3,500 athletes.

This is the 5th meeting by IOC committee members to discuss the progress made in Pyeongchang.

Members reported that it has been a slow start but construction has hit its stride this year.

 

 

Brandon Jennings comments on Kobe's 2k16 rating

 

For some recent NBA news:

Piston's point guard Brandon Jennings called Kobe Bryant's NBA 2016 rating, Blashpemous.

Over the past weekend, NBA 2k16, released their top 10 ratings of NBA basketball players for each position.

Bryant came in at No. 5, after stars like, Klay thompson, Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade.

In a tweet, Jenning's criticized these ratings saying that, "Kobe lead the league before he got hurt"

This was just one of several tweets, in which jennings stated that Kobe's rating should be higher.

 

 

Wales receives their Rugby World Cup ceremony

 

Now for some news from the Rugby World Cup:

Members of the Welsh rugby team sang for supporters during their official welcome to the Rugby World Cup on Monday.

The Welsh ceremony was held at London's Guildhall.

This came after Wales had already won their opening match against Uruguay.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, who is a patron of the Welsh Rugby Football Union, said a few words during the ceremony.

"First off, can I say that thank God that the Welsh team play rugby better than they sing. I never knew (assistant coach) Shaun Edwards could reach such high level. As a big rugby fan and a very proud Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh rugby union I am hugely excited to be here today to award the team their highly prized World Cup caps"　　

Wales are suffering injury problems after winning their opening match against Uruguay.

 

 

St. Peterburg Open sees Daniel Traver advance

 

And for some more tennis news:

Andreas Maurer beat Daniel Traver 7-5 7-6 (7-2) in the first round of the St. Petersburg Open on Monday.

76th ranked Traver broke in the third game and held his serve to lead 3-1.

But the 61st ranked Austrian broke back to level in the sixth, winning his service game to lead 4-3.

He won 7-5 7-6 in a little over two hours.

 

 

Former Tennis star receives apology from New York Mayor

 

Now for some news in Tennis:

Former tennis star James Blake went to city hall on Monday to discuss his wrongful arrest and physical abuse from a New York Police officer during the U.S. Open.

The former fourth-ranked tennis player in the world, who is African-American, was waiting for a car outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel to take him to the tournament on September 9th.

During this time he was slammed to the ground and handcuffed by an undercover police officer.

Police said Blake had been mistakenly identified by "a cooperating witness" as being involved in fraudulent cellphones dealings.

Mayor Bill de Blasio ahead of the meeting with blake said he would let the former star know this situation was being addressed　　

"I'm certainly going to let him know how much we are making fundamental reforms in the relationship between police and community, that we are retraining our entire patrol force, which has never been done before, to focus on bettering relationship between police and community and reducing any unnecessary use of force,"

Both the mayor and Police Commissioner William Bratten issued public apologies to Blake after the incident.

 

 

Spain Celebrates win in Euro basket Final

 

Now for some news in Basketball:

Spanish basketball fans celebrated in Madrid on Monday following the nation's success in Sunday's Euro basketball final against Lithuania.

The Spanish team are once again champions of Europe after they beat Lithuania 80-63 on Sunday in France.

When the ream arrived back in Spain on Monday, they celebrated their victory with fans in central Madrid.

Coach Sacriolo assured the gathering of people that there is a lesson to be learned from these players: to never give up.

"Once more, these players have given us important lessons: that when you fall down you have to get up right away because the race goes on; that obstacles can be passed if we remain together; it might be difficult but remaining together makes it easier; and that if you work well since the first day, at the end there's a prize."

Star player Pau Gasol, who scored 25 points in the final, told the media that the best thing the team can do now is celebrate.

It was Spain's third European basketball title, with those three successes coming in the last four championships.

 

 

Entertainment

 

 

China National Opera House to Present Wagner's 'Twilight of the Gods'

 

China National Opera House will present Richard Wagner's masterpiece 'Twilight of the Gods' on the stage, marking the opera's China debut.

This is the last in Wagner's cycle of four operas, titled 'The Ring of the Nibelung', which was premiered in 1987.

'Twilight of the Gods' illustrates the outcomes of Germanic heroes in the Norse mythology.

The show is expected to lasts five and a half hours, which is both a challenge for performers and audience.

'Twilight of the Gods' is scheduled to be staged at the National Grand Theatre in Beijing on September 22nd and 23rd.

 

 

Beckham's Short Film 'Outlaws' to Release

 

The first short film of David Beckham entitled 'Outlaw' will make a global release today, marking the former football superstar's acting debut.

However, the 40-year-old superstar denies this as an attempt to set foot in acting.

"It was fun. You know it wasn't me going to launching a new career. I'm not going to launch a new career being an actor. This was just something that I'm very honor to be part of, very honor to be working with some of the people that I haven't been worked with before."

According to British Vogue, this short film features the story of a motorcycle stuntman "haunted by memories of a beautiful Trapeze Artist", and chased by a crazy director looking for revenge.

"Outlaws" marks the collaboration between Beckham and the British fashion brand Belstaff.

The short film made its premier at the brand's London Fashion Week show on September 21st.

 

 

'The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials' Debuted at Top

 

'The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials' tops North American box office, for its first-week opening.

Box office tracker says this second installment of the Maze Runner franchise has enjoyed huge success by pulling in over 30 million US dollars.

Based on popular science-fiction novels with the same name, the film tells the story of a group of teenagers, whose memories have been erased, and trying to escape a dystopian world.

Johnny Depp's true-crime thriller 'Black Mass' opened in the second spot, grossing roughly 23.4 million during the past weekends.

Based on the book of the same name, "Black Mass," portrays the antics of Bulger, who spent 16 years as one of the nation's most-wanted fugitives before he was captured in California in 2011.

The low-budget thriller 'The Visit' ranks number three, with an earnings of over 11 million US dollars.

 

 

Mariah Carey Attends the Premier of Anne Hathaway's 'The Intern'

 

Anne Hathaway turns into a fan girl as Mariah Carey attends the premier of her upcoming film 'The Intern' in New York.

Being a huge fan of Mariah Carey, the Oscar-winning actress expressed her excitement over the legendary singer's presence on the red carpet.

"She's here. She's at MY movie premiere. Oh my god. She's two arm's- length away right now. I mean there's so many but we were listening to 'We Belong Together' beforehand. So fun! "

Directed by Nancy Meyers, 'The Intern' stars Anne Hathaway and Robert de Niro in the leading roles.

This American comedy film portrays a 70-year-old retired businessman, who seized his chance to get back in the game by landing an internship at an e-commerce company, owned by a young and career-driven women.

Anders Holm and Adam DeVine from the TV comedy "Workaholics" also give supporting performances in the film.

'The Intern' is due to be released in US on September 25th, and in UK on October 2nd.

It also opens this week in Russia, South Korea and Germany.

 

 

Taran Killam to Play Donald Trump on the New Season 'SNL'

 

NBC has confirmed the news that actor Taran Killam will play Donald Trump on this season of 'Saturday Night Live'.

Killam wins this new role by beating several 'SNL' cast members, including Darrell Hammond, who is said to back to the show reprising his role as Bill Clinton.

His debut in character of Republican presidential candidate will on air on October 3rd, marking return of the show from its summer hiatus.

Controversial pop star Miley Cyrus will host the show for its season opener.

Established in 1975, Saturday Night Live is an American live television sketch comedy, which is regarded as a major source of political satire.

Its spoofs of presidential debates in the past have become some of the shows most iconic segments.

 

 

Celebrities Marking International Day of Peace

 

Actor Michael Douglas, musician Herbie Hancock, and anthropologist Jane Goodall made their appearance at a series of events marking the International Day of Peace.

Serving as one of the UN Messengers of Peace, the 70-year-old actor calls for support and commitment to peace during the events.

"I would encourage all of you just to think of how vulnerable and how tiny we are. And, finally, today I'm always left with John Lennon. And I guess my mantra today is anybody else's, a gentleman who was shot by a handgun here in New York, a number of years ago. But all he said is all we are asking is give peace a chance. And I encourage you to support the United Nations with your utmost."

UN Messengers of Peace are chosen from various fields, including art, science, entertainment, and other areas of public life.

As September 21st is the annual day of non-violence and the cease-fire, and relavant events are held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Founded in 1981, the International Day of Peace aims to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

 

 

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

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping has left Beijing and is on route to Seattle for the first leg of his state visit to the United States....

British Chancellor of the Exchequer making a speech on the floor of the Shanghai Stock Exchange...

And residents in the capital of Ethiopia expressing joy over the operation of a Chinese-built light-rail project...

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