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

Coming up on the program this morning...

China and Mongolia agree to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership as the Mongolian President wraps up his time in China...

China's e-commerce giant Alibaba sees record-breaking sales on Singles Day....

And the cheif of Myanmar's armed forces vowing to cooperate with the new government...

In Business.... a top index provider to add overseas-listed Chinese shares to its emerging market list...

In Sports.....Xinjiang extend their hot streak to 4 games in the Chinese Basketball Association...

And in Entertainment.... Peking Opera to debut in Liverpool...

Top NewsChina, Mongolia to Deepen All-round CooperationChina and Mongolia have issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

It comes as Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj wrapped up his 3-day state visit to China.

The statement touched on exchanges and cooperation in a variety of areas including politics, defense, economy, trade and investment.

The two sides will also actively promote signing a treaty on aligning China's Belt and Road initiative and Mongolia's Steppe Road plan.

Financing cooperation between Mongolia and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund in big infrastructure projects will be supported as well.

China says it supports Mongolia's efforts to join a series of regional cooperation in an appropriate manner such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, East Asia cooperation and the East Asia Summit.

The statement also vows support for trilateral cooperation among China, Mongolia and Russia and calls for completing the drafting of a program for the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor.

China also agrees with Elbegdorj's initiative to host a dialogue on Northeast Asian security in Ulan Bator, while Mongolia has invited the Chinese leader to attend the Asia-Europe summit in the country next year.

Q&A on Mongolian President's China VisitFor more on the Mongolian president's visit, CRI's Michael Butterworth spoke earlier with James C. Hsiung, Professor of Politics & International Law, at New York University.

Back anchorThat was James C. Hsiung, Professor of Politics & International Law, at New York University, speaking with CRI's Michael Butterworth.

Chinese Leaders Express Condolences over Death of Helmut SchmidtChina's leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, have both expressed condolences over the death of former West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

In separate messages to German President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel, Xi Jinping mourned Schmidt's death and extended sympathies to his relatives.

Schmidt, who served as Chancellor of West Germany from 1974 to 1982, died aged 96 at his home in Hamburg on Tuesday afternoon.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei says Schmidt's contributions in promoting China-Germany ties are highly appreciated.

"Mr. Schmidt had been committed to promoting understanding and cooperation between China and Germany, and he was a pioneer and developer of the China-Germany relations. We highly appreciated the contributions he had made and would like to further promote the development of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership together with the German side."President Xi has also stressed that China and Chinese people cherish the friendship between the two countries, and are willing to work with Germany and its people for a better future of their relations.

Meanwhile, Premier Li Keqiang has expressed his hope that friendly cooperation between China and Germany will achieve even greater development.

Schmidt had contributed to German nation-building and European integration. He made the first of many visits to China in 1975.

China Strengthens Efforts to Stimulate ConsumptionChina will strengthen its efforts to shore up consumption and boost domestic demand amid lingering downward pressure on the economy.

The decision was made following a statement released after the regular meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet.

Authorities will accelerate reform and innovation to help consumption grow, and also widen market access for private investors and gradually reduce restrictions on foreign capital.

The government will encourage imports of consumer goods, open more duty-free shops and improve tax refund policies for foreign tourists.

Household registration reform will also be accelerated so as to drive home sales and boost consumption of home appliances.

Alibaba Breaks 11.11 Sales Record With 14 Billion USDChina's e-commerce giant Alibaba saw record breaking sales of more than 90 billion yuan, or 14 billion US dollars, on the just concluded Singles Day on Wednesday.

That number is a 60% increase from last year. The company's payment service Alipay processed 117 million transactions during the first hour on Wednesday.

Alibaba CEO Jack Ma hopes to spread China's online shopping fever to the rest of the world.

"11/11, this day starts from China and will go global. And I think in the next five years, we may be in Tokyo, we may be in Paris and maybe we are in New York. We hope 11/11 is a great day for every consumer, every small business for every business who are on the internet age."Alibaba stats show this year's orders were placed from 232 countries and regions.

The company's chief rival JD.com saw 20 million online orders by 5:30 pm on Wednesday.

Early figures on Wednesday showed around 70% of the sales were made via mobile platforms. Food items saw a strong increase in popularity, while televisions were a favorite among rural buyers.

November 11 became known as the Singles Day in China in the 90's, created by young singles as an excuse to buy themselves presents. Alibaba launched its first Double 11 online sales in 2009, and since then the day has become the biggest online shopping spree of the year in China.

In comparison, Americans spent just 1.5 billion dollars online on last year's Black Friday, the Friday before Thanksgiving – one of the biggest sales days of the year stateside.

Q&A with Liu Baocheng on Sales of Alibaba a Record High in This Year's Double 11For more on this year's double 11 shopping spree, CRI's Wang Mengzhen earlier spoke with Professor Liu Baocheng, from the University of International Business and Economics.

Back AnchorThat was Professor Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and Economics speaking with CRI's Wang Mengzhen.

China Confident in Ties with Myanmar after ElectionChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is confident in the health of its ties with Myanmar.

Wang's remarks came after Myanmar's general election in which Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy retains a lead.

Wang told his Myanmar counterpart U Wunna Maung Lwin that China sincerely hopes to see and will support a stable, united Myanmar.

Wang stressed China will further economic and trade cooperation with Myanmar.

The country will also pursue bilateral cooperative projects under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative.

The Myanmar foreign minister said the country's willingness to enhance cooperation with China will not change, no matter how the domestic political situation may shift.

U Wunna Maung Lwin is in Jinghong, southwest China's Yunnan to attend the first Lancang-Mekong River cooperation foreign ministers' meeting starting from today.

Foreign ministers from across Southeast Asia will also attend the meeting.

Beijing Deputy Party Chief under ProbeThe disciplinary watchdog of the Communist Party of China has announced that Lyu Xiwen, deputy Party chief of Beijing, is being investigated for suspected "severe disciplinary violations".

The 60-year-old Lyu is also the president of Beijing Administrative College.

She has served as deputy Party Secretary of Beijing Municipality since 2013.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced that He Jiacheng, former executive vice president of Chinese Academy of Governance has been expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office.

He is accused of multiple offenses including accepting bribes and hindering an official investigation.

The Chinese Academy of Governance is an institution directly affiliated with the State Council, China's cabinet. It is an important body for training high- and mid-level officials and policy researchers.

Smog for North China, Rain for SouthSmog is forecast to linger in north China in the next three days.

Moderate smog will continue to shroud parts of Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and the three northeast provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang.

Tianjin and Beijing municipalities will also be hit with smog.

The National Meteorological Center says visibility will be reduced to less than 500 meters in some places.

Myanmar's Armed Forces Chief Pledges to Work with New Gov'tA Senior-General in Myanmar has pledged that the armed forces will work with the new government for the development of the country.

Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Defense Services, made the remarks three days after the general election.

He said no matter which government takes power, the armed forces will strive to become a standard army and back the multi-party system.

In response to the request of Aung San Suu Kyi to hold dialogue with the Senior-General, his information team said it would coordinate the meeting after the Union Election Commission completed its work.

Suu Kyi also sent letters separately to President U Thein Sein and Parliament Speaker U Shwe Mann, calling for similar dialogue next week.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy has so far secured a total of 490 parliamentary seats in the next term of parliament.

Mining Giants Survey Dam Collapse in BrazilThe chief executives of BHP Billiton and Vale on Wednesday surveyed the dam collapse at a Brazilian mine owned by the mining giants.

Six people are confirmed dead and another 22 are missing after the burst at an iron ore mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais nearly a week ago.

The search for more victims is continuing along nearly 100 km of mud-caked floodplain.

The mine, run by Samarco Minera??o, is a joint venture between Australia-based BHP and Brazil's Vale.

Both BHP and Vale vowed to offer full support to all the families affected by the disaster.

As contaminated sediment from the burst dams flowed through the countryside of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo states, authorities have suspended water service for hundreds of thousands of people and closed schools and other facilities.

Neither the companies nor Brazilian officials have determined a cause for the ruptures.

New Flight Tracking Radio Spectrum Allocated for Civil AviationA new radiofrequency spectrum has been allocated for global flight tracking in civil aviation. The International Telecommunication Union made the announcement on Wednesday.

The move was partially prompted by the loss of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 last year.

The new measure will enable real-time tracking of aircraft regardless of location. 70% of the earth's airspace is currently not tracked by any device or radar.

The ITU says it will continue to work with other international organizations to enhance global flight safety.

Border Fence along Croatian Border Won't Stop Migrant Arrivals: Slovenian OfficialSlovenia's secretary of interior affairs says that a razor wire fence erected along the Croatian border is not set to prevent the entry of migrants.

Bostjan Sefic said the fence aims to better control the influx of people arriving.

"By doing this, we will prevent the spread of migrants, also prevent arrivals at the places that are not agreed upon, and also we want to make it easier for our policemen, for our aid workers, humanitarian organizations, but as well for migrants themselves. We want to direct them to the points where there are facilities to receive them, where there are reception centers, where they can be provided for."Negotiating teams from Slovenia and Croatia have met on the border where the fence was set up by Slovenia.

Croatia expects Slovenia to remove the fence at Harmica village on the Croatian side of the border by Thursday morning.

Around 180-thousand people, many fleeing war in Syria and Afghanistan, have streamed into Slovenia since mid-October, making the country grapple with its biggest influx of migrants.

World Chinese Economic Summit Held in LondonJust a month since Chinese President Xi Jinping's successful trip the UK, London has been playing host the 7th annual World Chinese Economic Summit.

This is the first time the meeting, which aims to strengthen ties between China, Southeast Asia and Europe, has taken place outside Asia. A key theme of this year's gathering has been garnering support for China's Belt and Road trade initiative and the growing markets of Southeast Asia with the coming into effect of the ASEAN Economic Community next month.

From London, Catherine Drew reports.

200 delegates from around the world gathered at the 7th annual world Chinese economic summit,a magnet for business and political leaders.

It follows the successful state visit of China's President Xi's the UK last month, which China's ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming told the gathering heralded a new era"Together we can build a golden era for China-UK economic cooperation."The conference was also used by Chinese and Asian delegates to promote President Xi's Belt and Road trade initiative, which envisages an opening up of trade along the Silk Road from China to Europe, as well as maritime routes.

And at this year's gathering, ASEAN nations also took centre stage. Malaysia's deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahamad Zahid Hamidi addressed the gathering to promote the belt and road trade initiatives, saying after the ASEAN group is a full partner to it's powerful neighbour.

"We have played a vital role in strengthening our relationship with China, and because we are their biggest trading partners, and we are providing 600 million new marketplace for their products and I reckon the achievement of around 400 billion US dollars has shown that the region is very significant to China's economy."Next month ASEAN's Economic Community is due to come into force, which integrates member countries' economies and create a single market and production base.For some, Like Malaysia's Minister of Transport, Liow Tiong Lai,this achievement deserved reflection.

"It will be the Asian age now and we hope that with China coming in, the dialogue partner with ASEAN we'll be able to make this region more interesting.""And of course, Europe, many regions taking note of what's happening"?

"Yes, Europe, Middle East even Latin America, US, also very keen to have these dialogue partners especially these economic block with 600 million population and that kind of 4-5 per cent growth rate will actually initiate a lot of economic opportunities."For some delegates, the fact that this summit was held outside Asia this year, was also noteworthy. The London based Asia house helped organise the gathering and it's chief executive Michael Lawrence noted London't recent prominence when it comes to international trade.

"You can't talk about China is in isolation anymore, you can't talk about ASEAN in isolation, it really is about talking about those regions in the context of the rest of the world. It follows the state visit which from all accounts seems to have been enormously successful, so the timing is very interesting, but it's looking at Asia through the prism of a global view."This conference was of course arranged well ahead of President Xi's visit to the UK last month but it is something of a coup for London to host this summit, the first time it has been held outside Asia.

For CRI, I'm Catherine Drew in London.

UN China Peacekeeping ExhibitionAn exhibition has opened at the United Nations showcasing the commitment China has made to global peacekeeping over the last 25 years.

And while being already a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, China's President Xi Jinxing has pledged to do even more.

William Denselow reports from New York.

The celebration of a milestone. For the past 25 years China has been working with the United Nations to build peace and security around the globe.

And kicking off this week-long exhibition put on by China's UN mission- Ambassador to the United Nations Liu Jieyi says the timing is significant for the world's governing body.

"This is a special year for the United Nations. A year of the 70th anniversary of the organization. It is a time for stocktaking and also for forward looking."And that's exactly what this photo exhibition hopes to achieve. Dating back to 1990, some 64 paintings and photos hang from 6 foot high dividers in a subterranean section of the UN's New York headquarters.

Some 30 thousand Chinese men and women have served in 24 peacekeeping missions over the past 25 years. And taking a guided tour of the exhibit- the UN's Undersecretary General for Communications and Public information Christina Gallach- says it's vital to honor the 10 Chinese men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"It is important that we are all aware of the sacrifices that are made and how necessary is it to have quality troops contributing to the ever more demanding peacekeeping landscape."China is currently ranked 9th when it comes to total UN peacekeeping contributions. And despite nearly 3,000 troops currently engaged in UN operations China's President Xi Jinping pledged at this year's United Nations General Assembly to go further.

As well as a planned $1 billion donation to the UN peace and development fund, China vows to train 5000 foreign peacekeepers and up its own permanent peacekeeping force to 8,000 troops.

Critics say this is a bid to exercise soft power but China's ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi says these peacekeepers work for the international community.

And with China being the biggest contributor of troops from the UN's permanent Security Council members- he says they are just setting a precedent.

"We would hope that all countries would follow the example of the current big troop contributing countries and contribute to the UN peacekeeping operations."The ambassador describes this renewed commitment to the UN as Chinese peacekeeping 2.0. With the hope that this new push will have a lasting success in ending global conflicts.

For CRI, I'm William Denselow at the United Nations in New YorkIsrael Criticizes EU for New Labeling GuidelinesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the EU on Wednesday for launching new guidelines for labeling products made in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The new guidelines were drawn up by the European Commission after a three-year process. Producers must now explicitly label goods that come from Israel's settlements if they were to be sold in the EU.

WeatherBeijing will have foggy with a high of 9 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures should drop down to 6.

Shanghai will see slight rain with a high of 19 and a low of 15.

In Chongqing, overcast with a high of 17 and lows of 14.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Islamabad, overcast with a high of 23.

Kabul will be rainy with a high of 7.

Over to North America,New York, slight rain with a high of 17 degrees.

Washington, slight rain with a high of 19 degrees.

Honolulu, overcast, 28.

Toronto will be rainy with a high of 13 degrees.

Finally, on to South America,Buenos Aires, cloudy with a high of 28.

And Rio de Janeiro, slight rain with a high of 29 degrees Celsius.

Headline NewsChina, Mongolia to Deepen All-round CooperationChina and Mongolia have issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

It comes as Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj wrapped up his 3-day state visit to China.

The statement touched on exchanges and cooperation in a variety of areas including politics, defense, economy, trade and investment.

The two sides will also actively promote signing a treaty on aligning China's Belt and Road initiative and Mongolia's Steppe Road plan.

Financing cooperation between Mongolia and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund in big infrastructure projects will be supported as well.

China agrees with Elbegdorj's initiative to host a dialogue on Northeast Asian security in Ulan Bator, while Mongolia has invited the Chinese leader to attend the Asia-Europe summit in the country next year.

China's Floating Population to Hit 291 Mln in 2020: ReportThe number of floating population in China is expected to increase by 6 million annually in the next five years, more slowly than the 8 million annually over the past five years.

The report released by the National Health and Family Planning Commission said China had 253 million floating people at the end of 2014, and the number is to hit 291 million in 2020.

That means one sixth of the country's total population leave their origin places to seek employment or education elsewhere.

It said 55 percent of the floating people spent more than 3 years in the places where they currently lived, and more than half of the floating population showed an interest in settling down.

EU Council Chief Says Irregular Migrants "Should Be Returned"The President of the European Council Donald Tusk on Wednesday told African partners that irregular migrants "should be returned". Tusk made the remark as 60 more leaders of the two continents gathered in Malta's capital Valletta over the current migrant crisis.

The EU has reportedly promised a billion-euro fund to Africa, as it is keen to send back more illegal migrants amid the massive migrant flux.

Tusk said voluntary return is preferable, but mandatory returns may also be implemented. However, he stressed it was "essential" to properly return and readmit those not entitled to international protection.

Death Toll from Ohio Private Jet Crash Rises to 9Death toll from Tuesday's plane crash in the US State of Ohio has risen to nine, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said that a pilot, co-pilot and seven passengers were on board the small private jet when it crashed into a house Tuesday afternoon.

Seven of the nine victims came from a real estate company based in Florida.

No injuries or deaths were reported on the ground.

Biz ReportsMarket PreviewTurning 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.

U.S. stocks reversed early gains to close mildly lower Wednesday, as Wall Street continued to weigh the likelihood of a year-end rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

At close,The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq all finished off 0.3 percent.

Trading volumes were lower than usual as bond markets and banks were closed in observance of Veterans Day.

A plunge in oil prices also weighed on market sentiment.

With no major economic data out Wednesday, investors were still assessing the rising odds of a December rate hike following a strong jobs report in October.

Many analysts believed that the U.S. central bank will raise interest rates next month, as Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that the Fed may pull the trigger at its December policy meeting if the U.S. economy is performing well.

In corporate news, Alibaba Group shares fell 2 percent even as the Chinese e-commerce giant reported gigantic sales for Singles' Day.

Shares of Macy's slumped nearly 14 percent after the release of the company's disappointing quarterly results. The U.S. retailer also cut its outlook for the full year.

Brewers Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and SABMiller PLC formally agreed to an acquisition deal.

Meanwhile in Europe,British benchmark FTSE 100 Index rose by over 0.3 percent.

The French benchmark index CAC 40 advanced more than 0.8 percent.

Finally here in China, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.3 percent at the close.

The smaller Shenzhen index added 1.4 percent.

MSCI to Include U.S.-listed Chinese Firms on Its IndexesAnchorIt's being reported that index provider MSCI is set to add overseas-listed Chinese shares to its emerging market indexes this Thursday.

If the move goes ahead, it would be the first time overseas-listed China shares, also known as American Depositary Receipts, are included on the MSCI's indexes.

It is said that major Chinese companies with ADRs traded in the U.S. including Alibaba and Baidu are likely to be around 14 Chinese companies added to indexes such as the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and MSCI China.

It is also estimated that about 70 billion U.S. dollars could flow to the stocks of the Chinese firms set for inclusion.

The move comes after MSCI decided not to include China's A shares in its global indexes back in June.

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

Q1: Why is MSCI opting to include overseas-listed Chinese companies instead of Chinese A-shares?

Q2: How will this potential move impact the Chinese companies set for inclusion? Who will be the biggest winner here? What about its influence on China's domestic markets?

Q3: Do you think this means A-shares may be included on MSCI's indexes eventually?

Back anchorThis is Cao Can, CRI's financial commentator.

Investment in R&D, Education in China to Harvest Growth, Innovations: ExpertA chief economist from World Intellectual Property Organization says that investment in R&D as well as the education and science system in China will yield growth dividends in the future.

Carsten Fink made the remarks following the release of the World Intellectual Property 2015: Breakthrough Innovation and Economic Growth.

Fink added that consumption, productivity and innovation will play more important roles in a new type of Chinese economy different from the previous largely physical investment-driven one.

The WIPO report reveals that China has accounted for over a quarter of worldwide patents in the fields of 3D printing and robotics for the past decade.

Chinese applicants also account for close to 15 percent of global filings concerning nanotechnology.

China to Promote Integrating Healthcare and Eldercare ServicesChinese authorities say the country will promote the integration of health care with elderly care to address its aging population.

According to a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, the government encourages the private sector to run services that integrate healthcare and eldercare and allows areas with abundant medical resources to transform some public hospitals into rehabilitation and senior care centers.

A decision reached at the meeting urges medical institutions to provide senior care agencies with convenience in making appointments and urges cooperation between community hospitals, communities and home-based elderly care services.

The government also vows to provide more support in financing and land use for elderly health care services.

Trade Authority Pushes forward the Pilot Work of Parallel Imported VehiclesChina's Ministry of Commerce said that companies trading "parallel imported" vehicles have reached 78 in four free trade zones in the country.

Parallel import of vehicles is a business that vehicle dealers can import vehicles directly instead of through official channels.

The commerce ministry set up a system of automatic import license to remove policy obstacles for the parallel import business.

Zhou Hui is the commercial counselor from the Ministry of Commerce.

"The Ministry of Commerce has no restrictions on brands and qualities on pilot companies that apply for the automatic import license. The pilot companies have applied for automatic import licenses of 1,598 vehicles to the Ministry of Commerce."Zhou added that the ministry will make sales plan for new vehicles to speed up the development of parallel imported vehicles.

BMW to Expand to Leasing in Chinese MarketBMW announces that it has acquired Chinese firm Herald Leasing as part of its bid to broaden the business in its biggest market to include car leasing.

The company says it is responding to the increasing importance of the emerging leasing business in the world's largest vehicle market and laying the foundation for further growth.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition will allow BMW to add leasing options to its local financing services.

Herald Leasing has offices in 58 Chinese cities and reported revenues of over 200 million yuan or 33 million US dollars last year.

SportsCBA ResultsBeginning with some CBA results from last night,Xinjiang Guanghui won their top-of-the-table clash against the Zhejiang Lions to remain undefeated in the season's opening four games.

The Lions' Li Jinglong closed a 19-point gap with a three-pointer with one minute left but Andrew Goudelock sealed it 118-116 before full time.

Xinjiang remain on top of the table having won all four games.

Other undefeated teams Liaoning and Sichuan also extended their winning streak by beating Shanghai and Qingdao respectively.

Thirty-eight-year-old Stephon Marbury netted 25 points to score over 5,000 points in the CBA during his seven-year spell at Beijing.

But it wasn't enough to haul his team back from 17 points behind. Beijing suffered an 107-110 defeat by Zhejiang.

The other Beijing team Bekong went down to Shandong 108-102.

The Bayi Rockets' win came much earlier this season as they downed Foshan 107-103,Guangdong beat Jilin 107-86,And it is Shanxi all over Jiangsu 105-87.

And turning over to the NBA stateside:

Eleven games are coming up shortly this morning,Charlotte are taking on New York Knicks,The Los Angeles Clippers are playing Dallas,And San Antonio are hosting Portland.

World Cup Qualifier: China - BhutanIn football,China take to the field tonight in Changsha in the world cup qualifiers against Bhutan.

The game is set for 7:35pm Beijing time.

China had beaten Bhutan 6-0 in their first encounter in Group C and have to win this time to keep any hope of making it to the next stage alive.

Team China are in third place behind Qatar and the team from Hong Kong. The mainland side are competing for best second-placed team to progress into the last 12.

They have to beat team Hong Kong again in five days' time.

The other Group C game is between the Maldives and Hong Kong tomorrow.

Colombia Beat China 1-0 at Four-nation SeriesMore football news from China,The Olympic team opened their four-nation series with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Wuhan.

The young Chinese team will face their counterparts from Morocco and South Korea within this week.

This is China's last chance to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers next January.

China are in Group A with Iran, Qatar and Syria in their fight to Rio.

Badminton China Open ResultsIn badminton,Both Chen Long and Lin Dan have reached the next round of the China Open in Fuzhou.

Lin needed threes sets to beat Japan's Kenichi Tago.

It only took Chen 35 minutes to beat Ajay Jayaram from India 21-12, 21-11.

Hu Yun shocked defending champion Srikanth Kidambi 21-12, 21-18.

Wang Zhengming, Tian Houwei, Zhou Zeqi and Wei Nan are out.

Malaysia's Lee Chong-wei and South Korea's Son Won-ho both made it through.

In women's action,Wang Yiahn, Li Xuerui and Wang Shixian all had straight-sets victories.

Defending champion Saina Nehwal and world champion Carolina Marin are also through.

In doubles,Zhang Nan/Fu Haifeng and Huang Yaqiong/Wang Xiaoli pulled out from the tournament.

IOC President Urges IAAF to Solve Russia Mass Doping CaseRussian president Vladmir Putin says Russia has to conduct its own investigations into its record of doping.

Putin says they will work with international organisations with protecting the athletes as a priority.

"If it is necessary - we can undertake some organisational steps, but in any case we have to protect our athletes from usage of prohibited substances. First of all it is necessary for them, for our athletes, for their health, but also of course competition must be fair. A sports competition becomes interesting only if it is fair."Putin adds that "personalizing responsibility" should be the general rule.

Meanwhile, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach is expecting IAAF to take necessary measures against Russia.

Bach exerted the IOC's stance on doping and had confidence in IAAF president Sebastian Coe that his measures will steer the issue into the right direction.

"There is the clear commitment, the IOC is about zero tolerance policy in doping, and we have there approved track record and we will apply this zero tolerance policy. You will see medals being withdrawn, you will see athletes being sanctioned by the IAAF, you will see athletes and officials being excluded and you will see an action led by the IOC to make anti-doping testing independent from sports organizations."Coe will call for a meeting among his ruling council to consider sanctions against Russian athletes later this week.

They could all be suspended nine months before the Rio Olympic Games.

A World's Anti-doping Agency report says the athletes should only be allowed to compete again once Russia is fully compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.

EntertainmentPeking Opera to Debut in LiverpoolThe China National Peking Opera Company arrives in Liverpool for its debut on Wednesday, marking its first visit to Britain for ten years.

The company will perform two of its masterpieces in Liverpool, including Warrior Women of Yang, a story of grief, courage, patriotism and family loyalty.

Meanwhile, Farewell My Concubine will make its full-length European premiere, which depicts a beautiful but heartbreaking story of political unrest, love, sacrifice and honour.

Liverpool Lord Mayor Tony Conception hosted a civic reception for the opera company at the city's 18th century town hall.

Leading members of the company, Zhu Hong and Liu Kui-kui, performed a taster in full costumes, which audiences can enjoy later this week.

Peking Opera will move to London after the performances in Liverpool on Friday and Saturday.

Billboard to Launch "User Generated" Chart in China with YinYueTaiBillboard, world's leading destination for charts and trends in music, has announced its plans to create and launch the first ever "User Generated" chart in China with YinYueTai.

YinYueTai is China's leading music video service with over 50 million registered users.

Under the deal, the collaborated chart will rank the videos with the most hits on YinYueTai's website.

Chinese singer Jane Zhang and American singer-songwriter Adam Lambert made their appearance at the launch ceremony, along with record company executives.

The 33-year-old Lambert, who rose to fame in American Idol and continued to establish successful solo careers, highlights the importance of Billboard for singers.

"The latest album I just put out, the Original High, I think it turned No.3, which is very exciting. And my last album "Trespassing" hit No.1, about 200 charts. So billboards is very important I think, gives the artists a way to measure credibility and a way of connecting."Billboard's head for Asia, Jonathan Serbin, indicates YinYueTai's China V-chart will become available weekly within the International Charts section of Billboard.com.

He says this breakthrough can help more Chinese artists to be recognized on the world stage.

"China, of course, is the very important music market, very fast growing market. So it's crucial."Billboard has also established charts in Japan, Mexico, and Brazil.

The "User Generated" chart plans to launch in the first quarter of next year.

Will Smith's NFL Drama 'Concussion' Premiers at AFI FestWill Smith premieres his NFL drama 'Concussion' at the ongoing AFI Fest held in Los Angeles.

The 47-year-old actor continued to quell the controversy about the film, as The New York Times ealier reported that 'Concussion' was altered to placate the NFL.

"I think people should see it. You know I think when people will see it they will see the adherence to the truth of Dr. Bennet Omalu's story. That was our main issue. Bennet was completely committed to the truth. So as filmmakers our complete focus was to tell the truth."In the film, Will Smith portrays a forensic pathologist, who fought against efforts by National Football League to suppress his research on the brain damage on professional football players.

Peter Landesman directed this biographical sports drama, and he respond to the question whether his work was altered to please the NFL.

"It's almost laughable. Anybody who sees this movie knows this movie is a shot between the eyes of the NFL. Not because we're going after the NFL. Just because the truth is its own defense you know and it's a powerful movie about human beings. It's not a hit piece about corporate America."Luke Wilson and Albert Brooks also star in the film.

'Concussion' is set to be released on Christmas Day in the US.

Justin Bieber Announces a Comeback with 'Purpose World Tour'

Justin Bieber has announced a comeback on Wednesday with 58-city tour next year.

The pop star says his 'Purpose World Tour' will open in Seattle, Washington on next March 9th.

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

Recapping our top stories this morning...

China and Mongolia agree to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership as the Mongolian President wraps up his time in China...

China's e-commerce giant Alibaba sees record-breaking sales on Singles Day....

And the cheif of Myanmar's armed forces vowing to cooperate with the new government...

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.