新闻纵贯线 The Beijing Hour updated 20:00 2016/02/09（在线收听）

The Beijing Hour

Evening Edition

Spencer Musick with you on this Tuesday February 9th 2016.

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

Coming up on the program this evening...

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung condemning an overnight riot in the local commercial district of Mong Kok...

At least eight people are dead and around 100 people are injured following a train collision in Germany...

And New York City celebrates the Lunar New Year....

And In the second half of our program, we will bring you a special edition of People in the Know.

Top News

HK Chief Executive Condemns Riot in Mong Kok

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung has expressed condemnation towards an overnight riot in the local commercial district of Mong Kok.

"The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China severely condemns the violent behaviors of the rioters. We can never tolerate that and the police will spare no efforts to arrest the rioters. Meanwhile, I would like to deliver my sympathy to the police officers and news reporters injured in the riot."

About 300 rioters clashed with police from late Monday evening to Tuesday morning after an illegal street vendors clearance operation went awry.

The rioters attacked the police with bricks, stones and other makeshift weapons, and also destroyed police vehicles and public property.

The police were forced to fire 2 warning shots.

So far at least 54 rioters have been arrested and 90 police officers were injured.

At Least 8 Killed in German Train Collision: Police

At least eight people are dead and around 100 people are injured following a train collision in Germany.

Police say a railway line near the southern German city of Rosenheim was suspended due to the train accident on Tuesday morning.

The collision of two trains happened in the early morning hours and has caused several carriages to derail.

A spokesman for German railway company Deutsche Bahn was cited as saying that two trains collided on a single-track section.

The cause of the accident is still unclear.

Taiwan Arrests Developer of Building that Collapsed in Earthquake

The developer of a building that collapsed in Saturday's Taiwan earthquake has been arrested.

An estimated 39 people were killed in the Wei-guan residential complex in Tainan. The building was among the few to suffer severe damage, raising questions about the quality of its construction.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into whether the building's construction had caused its collapse.

Rescuers said on Tuesday the death toll has risen to 40, and 107 people remain missing.

Around 320 people have already been rescued.

Britain to Develop Closer Ties with China: Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron says that Britain will strive to deepen cooperation with China in 2016.

Cameron made the comments at a Lunar New Year reception on Monday in his London office.

"So I think last year was a great year, and I hope this year will be even greater. Great when it comes to the economy, where you can see now that 30 percent of Chinese investment into Europe comes into Britain; great when you think that China is the second largest exporter into Britain after Germany; great when you think that we actually met our pledge of doubling UK exports to China over the last five years."

Cameron said that China and Britain should deepen their cooperation in various fields, including education, international affairs and global health.

Cameron also extended his greetings to all Chinese people and wished them a happy Lunar New Year.

A Cultural Journey to the Year of Monkey

The just arrived Chinese Lunar New Year officially kicks off the Year of Monkey - the ninth sign of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

According to tradition, it's believed those born in a particular year display the characteristics of the animal associated with it.

CRI's Wang Mengzhen has more.

The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animal signs based on a twelve-year cycle, each year related to an animal sign.

In common with all the twelve animals - namely the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig - the monkey has its own unique characteristics:

Everyone born in a monkey zodiac year has their own idea of how it affects their personalities and feelings.

"I think people born in monkey years are witty, smart, but sometimes a little short-tempered."

"I've experienced 6 monkey years. I have the personal feeling that monkey years are usually more prosperous than other zodiac years."

"People tend to rush to have monkey babies. It means fiercer competition for their generations."

While each may have their own interpretation of their zodiac year, Zhang Ying, Director of Gaobeidian Chinese Folk Culture Classes in Beijing explains the reason monkeys are endowed with so many good characteristics is because, of all the animals, monkeys are the most similar to human beings:

"Monkeys are close to humans and people tend to favor them. In fact, people endow Monkeys with their own feelings and attitudes towards life. They also pass judgment on monkeys. Those judgments, whether it's positive or negative, are in fact made towards people themselves."

With so many positive meanings and expectations, the monkey has become a common icon in China and is represented in many cultural works.

Perhaps the most well-known monkey is Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King in "Journey to the West", one of the Four Great Classical Novels of the Chinese literature.

The novel depicts a monkey born out of a stone, and who acquires super powers.

The rebellious monkey made a lot of mischief even in the heavenly palace, but later on has a change of heart, and accompanies the monk Xuanzang on a journey to the west to introduce Buddhist sutras to the oriental lands.

Various monkey images are also to be found in other works such as sculptures, paper-cutting and stamps.

For instance, China Post released its first set of Chinese zodiac stamps in 1980, a Year of the Monkey.

The stamps, designed by artist Huang Yongyu, kicked off the tradition of releasing stamps featuring one of the 12 zodiac animals before every Spring Festival.

This January, the postal service released its fourth set of monkey stamps to embrace the Monkey Year.

The designer behind those stamps was once again Huang Yongyu, who is now a venerable 92 years old.

Tang Qian is an avid enthusiast of the Chinese zodiac.

He says he has both sets of stamps:

"My son was born in 1980, the Year of Monkey. He was the only child in my family due to the family planning policy at the time. I bought the first set of monkey stamps to celebrate his birth. Now, 36 years later, I bought him the fourth set. It's quite meaningful as our country has eased the family planning policy and a couple is allowed to have two kids."

Traditionally, Chinese zodiac has served as one of the basics for the literary training of children because it conveys meanings through a combination of vivid pictures and words.

However, due to the weakening of old traditions, and increasing foreign influences, zodiac culture has lost much of its meaning today.

Director Zhang Ying says he believes this Monkey Year could be a turning point in reviving China's zodiac culture:

"…The zodiac culture is gradually blending with the Spring Festival culture. The celebrations and festivities of the Spring Festival will help to promote zodiac culture. Conversely, the zodiac culture can enrich the Spring Festival culture too."

So, why not try learning more about traditional Chinese Zodiac culture, besides the western horoscope?

For CRI, I'm Wang Mengzhen.

Chinese Tourists Take to Ski Slopes during Lunar New Year Holiday

With Beijing and the city of Zhangjiakou in neighboring Hebei being granted the 2022 Winter Olympics, this year's Spring Festival holiday has seen a growing number of people take up skiing.

CRI's Luo Wen has more.

With the Lunar New Year holiday now in full-swing, many are taking time to head to Chongli County in Hebei to try their hand at skiing.

Chongli is located on the outskirts of Zhangjiakou, around 220-kilometers northwest of Beijing.

Even before the granting of the Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee, Chongli County had already become an increasingly popular winter tourist destination.

"I used to spend the Lunar New Year holiday touring around the city and visiting relatives, getting money in my 'hongbao.' This year, I spent all that money I saved over the previous holidays to buy skis and the passes to the ski resorts. I love skiing. I really do."

Skiing and other winter sports are being promoted in China, given that Beijing and Zhangjiakou are set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Chongli County, which has five well-equipped ski resorts, is already known in China as the training center for experienced skiers.

Wang Zhong, a ski instructor from Beijing Union University, says he decided to move his training sessions to Chongli to make use of the equipment.

"Many amateurs from Beijing have come to Chongli to practice their skiing skills. They've been improving quickly. We used to train our students at local ski resorts in Beijing, but they aren't good enough for students who want to actually improve. So this is why we decided to come here last year."

In awarding of the Olympic Games to Hebei, authorities in Beijing's surrounding province have plans to build a multi-billion yuan winter sports industry.

The hope is to transform Hebei into a premier destination for winter sports in time for the 2022 Games.

Plans include developing a high-end venue for winter sports in each of Hebei's 11 major cities in the next 8-years.

The start of the calendar year on January 1st saw Chongli County attract nearly 100-thousand visitors over the 3-day holiday.

For CRI, this is Luo Wen.

New York Marks Lunar New Year

Celebrations for the Lunar New Year are underway in New York as the city ushers in the Year of the Monkey.

The festivities always draw big crowds, but special efforts are being taken to make this year especially memorable.

CRI's William Denselow reports from New York.

Kicking off the New Year with a bang.

In the heart of New York's Chinatown hundreds brave the cold and snow for a glimpse of the New Year fire crackers.

Public schools in the city are closed for this holiday for the very first time and families aren't allowing a little inclement weather to dampen their mood.

"It's a big deal because we can celebrate it, or the Chinese people can celebrate it as well as like Christmas that we enjoy and everybody enjoys it."

"It's about time they started doing that. When I was a kid going to school here they didn't have it so I had to take a sick day or leave."

The Year of the Monkey is associated with energy and mischief. And armed with drums and confetti- New Yorkers are trying to get into the spirit.

The city is home to over a million Asian Americans. And Executive Director of the Chinatown Partnership Wellington Chen says New York's Chinatown is a special place to ring in the new year.

Wellington Chen, Executive Director, Chinatown Partnership

"New York, this is one of the oldest Chinatown's so you can't beat it. No other Chinatown has the kind of history, the roots, the deep culture and the connection to the Statue of Liberty in the harbour."

But the firecracker ceremony in Chinatown is just one part of the city's effort to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

Across Manhattan a cross-cultural art exhibit has opened celebrating the works of established and contemporary artists from the US and China.

It's part of a five day festival taking place across the city and Chair of the US-China Cultural Institute Shirley Young- says she hope to make the new year more than just a celebration.

Shirley Young, Chair, US-China Cultural Institute

"I hope what this overall celebration does is really to help people understand better in a deeper way through the arts, through the kids, through nature, what modern China is about."

New Yorkers have also been treated to a huge fireworks display on the Hudson River. To ensure the Year of the Monkey gets off to a flying start.

For CRI, I'm William Denselow in New York

NASDAQ Rings In Year of the Monkey

The NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York City rang its opening bell on Monday to welcome the Year of the Monkey.

Chinese consul general in New York Zhang Qiyue says the event demonstrated NASDAQ's faith in the Chinese economy.

"Today NASDAQ prepared a market opening to celebrate the Chinese New Year. I believe it shows that Nasdaq has confidence in our economy and the development of Chinese entrepreneurs."

Zhang says that in the coming year, China will deepen structural reforms.

The official says China focus on the areas innovation, coordination, green development, openness and sharing.

NASDAQ Senior Vice President Robert McCooey gave a speech at the ceremony and expressed optimism about the exchange's future relations with China.

"Well, we have great relations with China, between the United States and China as well as with Nasdaq and China. We have almost 120 [Chinese] companies that are listed with us. Three of our largest companies - JD.com, Baidu and Ctrip - are from China. They are listed, they're part of our NASDAQ 100. So we're very, very excited about that. "

McCooey says he expects more Chinese companies to join the US market in the near future.

Foreign Amusement Parks Wrestle for Chinese Market: Opportunity or Challenge?

With the final touches being put on Shanghai Disney Land, discussions are being prompted about the overall state of amusement parks here in China.

CRI's Liu Xiangwei has more.

Rejoice, Chinese park-goers, because 2016 is just like a gift box wrapped with ribbon and bow. In spring, a Legoland is ready to unveil itself; and come mid-June, Disneyland, which is touted as the "happiest place on Earth", is going to land in Shanghai; while in Beijing, a Universal theme park is currently under construction.

Ardent fans are at fever pitch.

"I am most interested in the Universal Studio's theme park."

"I am very excited for Legoland. I've seen Lego bricks in shops before, I found those interlocking models and minifigures amazing. It will be fantastic if people could make a theme park out of these toys. "

"What I am looking forward to the most is the Disney Resort in Shanghai. You know, I visited the Hong Kong Disneyland once and enjoyed it a lot. Maybe because Disney cartoons are something I grew up with, the park evoked my childhood memories. "

According to the recently released 2015 global amusement park industry report, when the per-capita GDP of a nation reaches 5,000 US dollars, leisure-oriented tourism will expand in the country. As China's per-capita GDP exceeded 7,000 US dollars in 2015, amusement park attendance is on the rise, which attracts gimlet-eyed international investors.

Dr. Liu Simin is a specialist in tourism studies. He admits that the influx of foreign companies will no doubt put pressure on Chinese brands, but they could also prop up this growing yet wobbly market.

"For those leading Chinese companies, such as Happy Valley, Fangte and Guangzhou Chimelong, introducing foreign theme parks probably means they will lose customers. However, this market is growing very fast. These international brands are cultivating a new customer base rather than snatching away a fraction from the existing one. As top performers of this industry, they could set the benchmark for Chinese amusement parks."

In recent years, various amusement parks have sprung up across China, from tasty chocolate park to awe-inspiring water world.

However, in the eyes of Dr. Liu, compared with their foreign counterparts, these Chinese companies still need to fill in the gaps.

"No matter it is Happy Valley, Fangte, or Chimelong, they all lack the creativity. This problem is not something we could solve in one go. In terms of business model, most western parks are promoting their attractions as well as resorts. In China, Guangzhou Chimelong adopts a similar model in Zhuhai and northern Guangdong, but is totally eclipsed in terms of scale and brand awareness."

So, what sort of parks could attract Chinese visitors?

Opinions seem to be varied.

"I like theme parks that could create classic while present innovative ideas at the same time."

"It should have enough interactive, participative and tech-savvy programs. Take myself as example, 4D theatre attracts me most. "

"No matter it is Disneyland, Legoland or Universal Studio park, I just want to see something related to famous films or well-known movie characters, otherwise it would be so boring. You know, roller coasters are all the same. "

Though customers appear to be picky, tourism expert Liu Simin emphasises that companies are not on the ropes.

"Visiting theme park is a kind of repetitive leisure activity. It attracts nuclear families and young people around the age of 20 to 35. As living standard has improved in China and the post-80s and 90s generations grow up, they bring new consumption concepts. In that case, theme park will be in high demand. In the future, this market will be shared by international giants, domestic brands and even some small-scaled companies."

Accordingly, Americans spend nearly 10 billion US dollars a year in theme parks. Compared with them, Chinese are still finding their feet. But as many parks are being built, with a gigantic head start, the future seems to be promising.

CRI's Liu Xiangwei reporting

Georgia to Build New Maritime Corridor between China and Europe

A 2.5 billion U.S. dollar project to create the first deep sea port in Georgia has been announced. This port will serve as a new maritime corridor between China and Europe.

CRI's Xie Cheng has more.

At a news conference in Tbilisi, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, explained the significance of the new project.

"This will bring completely new opportunities to Georgia to implement the concept of the Silk Road on a new scale. It will enable the South Caucasus transport corridor to operate at a new capacity and scale."

He said the Anaklia Development Consortium has been chosen to build and develop the port, beating 6 other interested parties.

The enterprise is a joint venture between the Georgian-based TBC Holding and Conti International, which is a U.S-based developer of infrastructure and capital projects.

The consortium's general director Levan Akhveldiani hailed the project as a very important and unprecedented initiative.

"It will create the first deep sea port in Georgia and it will facilitate the trade routes going through the South Caucasus. It will not be only important for Georgia the entire region, central Asian countries and especially benefit the Chinese "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which facilities... which is the shortest route going from China to Europe and Georgia lays as a gateway and Anaklia will serve as a gateway for that route. "

Mamuka Khazaradze, President of TBC Holding, also lauded the project.

"We are implementing the project which will link Asia and Europe. This will be a continuation of China's One Belt-One Road initiative, which is a new concept for old Silk Road."

Construction on the project will begin by the end of this year, and the port is expected to be operational 3 years from now.

The port's cargo capacity will be boosted by it being able to handle the largest container ships which need deep-sea access.

The restoration of the historic Silk Road and a faster maritime corridor between China and Europe has been a major priority in Georgia for years.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.

US Presidential hopefuls make final push before polls open in New Hampshire

The first primary nominating contest of the 2016 Presidential cycle will kick off in just a few hours in the US state of New Hampshire.

For embattled Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, it was an all-hands-on-deck day of campaigning on Monday.

She was joined by her husband and daughter as she campaigns in the first primary state.

Clinton addressed an overflow crowd in the town of Manchester.

"Thank you so much. This is the most amazing experience, to be here with all of you. I apologise for those of you who can't get in. I hope you can hear me back there because I am thrilled to be here, the day before the first in the nation primary."

Over on the Republican side, Florida Senator Marco Rubio campaigned in the town of Nashua.

He made his final push to supporters before polls open across the state.

"Don't stop working - 24, 28 more hours and then we're going to bring it home and we're going to keep this up and we are going to win this election, then I'll be back in August and September cause then we're going to beat Hillary here as well and we're going to turn America around. Thank you."

Although the Iowa caucuses always fall before the New Hampshire nominating contest on the calendar, New Hampshire is seen as significant because it is the first state to hold a true primary election where voters can weigh in on the contest for either party's nominee.

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

Recapping our top stories...

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung condemning an overnight riot in the local commercial district of Mong Kok...

On behalf of the Beijing Hour team, its Spencer Musick in Beijing.

Stay tuned for a special edition of People in the Know, and join us for the next edition of the Beijing Hour, to open a window to the world together...