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

Coming up on our program this morning...

Leading Chinese and European Union officials have been meeting here in Beijing to, among other things, mark 40-years of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

Russian and Chinese officials pointing to Xi Jinping's forthcoming trip to Moscow as a sign of the support the two countries currently share for one-another.

US Secretary of State John Kerry makes an unprecedented stop in Somalia to show US support to that country's central government.

In Business.... a new report suggests tech purchases here in China are expected to soar this year.

In Sports.... Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang to officially say goodbye to competition at next week's Diamond League track event in Shanghai.

In entertainment... a series of screen writing awards have been doled out in Beijing.

Top NewsChina-EU leaders send messages marking 40th years of tiesChinese and European Union leaders have sent out messages of congratulations to mark the 40th anniversary of the China-EU diplomatic ties today.

In his message to European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Chinese President Xi Jinping is hailing the strategic importance of the China-EU relationship.

For their part, both Tusk and Juncker have sent out a similar note, saying the two sides should continue working together for the peace, prosperity and sustainable development the world at large.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has also sent out a series of congratulatory messages to EU leaders.

Chinese, EU leaders meet before ties anniversaryAnchorChinese and European Union leaders have met in Beijing, discussing ways to improve their economic and political ties, as well as how to work more closely on global issues.

CRI's Yu Yang has more details.

ReporterThe start of the latest round of high-level strategic talks between the two sides, co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, took place Tuesday on the eve of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.

Yang Jiechi says the talks have been fruitful.

"Through our discussions we have been able to deepen our mutual understandings of each other’s' policies and our strategic trust. We've also agreed to step up our communication and coordination on important international and regional issues such as the Iranian nuclear issue, counter-terrorism, and our efforts in tackling climate change."The Chinese State Councilor also says one of the priorities in the bilateral relationship is to implement a consensus Chinese President Xi Jinping and European leaders reached in March, 2014 when he visited the continent.

That consensus calls for the building of a civilized partnership based on peace, growth and reform.

For her part, Frederica Mogherini says this current round of talks should help speed-up negotiations connected to a bilateral investment treaty between China and the EU.

"We have discussed the importance of developing our investment cooperation through an ambitious investment agreement that can be at the level of our impressive economic relationship. And we have discussed the need to find synergies between our respective infrastructure and connectivity policies, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investment and China's 'One Belt One Road' initiative."The two sides are scheduled to start a new round of negotiations on the investment treaty next month.

Activities this week also include events to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union.

For CRI, this is Yu Yang.

Dialogue and Cooperation Remain Themes of Sino-EU Ties:Chinese AmbassadorAnchorChina's Ambassador to the EU is suggesting the relationship between the two sides remains solid, even though frictions do flare up from time-to-time.

CRI's Wang Wei has more.

ReporterYang Yanyi, head of China's Mission to the European Union, says trade and economic cooperation has always been the most stable pillar supporting relations between China and EU.

The European Union has remained China's biggest trading partner for ten years in a row, while China is the second largest trading partner of the EU.

Trade of goods between China and the EU reached over 615 billion US dollars last year.

However, the two sides have come across trade frictions from time to time.

The EU announced that it will impose anti-dumping duties on China's stainless steel industry in March.

Yang Yanyi believes the two sides can work out a solution to the dispute.

"Thankfully, both China and EU are strongly against trade protectionism. We have been making efforts to remove trade barriers. The two sides kept in touch through mechanisms such as high-level economic dialogues and ministerial-level Joint Trade Committee Meetings. We'll continue our talks and consultations to solve trade frictions."According to Yang Yanyi, the two sides have successfully settled disputes over solar panels, poly-silicon and wine through negotiations and consultations.

Recently, the Chinese government proposed the "Belt and Road Initiatives", an attempt to build a community of shared destiny across the Eurasian continent. As the ending point of the Silk Road economic belt, Europe is expected to play an important role in this strategy.

Yang Yanyi says the EU has advantages in both funding and technologies. At the same time, it also needs plans to create jobs and stimulate investment. Through further cooperation, both China and the EU will benefit from the cross continental initiatives.

"Definitely, the European Union can become a participant and a partner of the 'Belt and Road Initiatives'. We are delighted to see that both the EU and its member states have expressed interest in and support to the initiatives. There are many similarities between EU's development agenda and our initiatives. If only we can properly integrate them, the effects will be amplified."Yang Yanyi notes both China and EU are strong advocates of multi-polar world. She hopes the two sides would strengthen exchanges and negotiations so as to jointly voice their common concerns, which will help to establish a fair and just international order.

For CRI, I am Wang Wei.

China, Russia Join Hands in Upholding Outcome of WWIILeading Chinese and Russian officials are lauding this week's confirmation that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be attending the forthcoming celebrations in Moscow marking the end of World War II in Europe.

Speaking this year's Lanting Foreign Policy forum, Chinese vice-Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping suggests the forthcoming trip by the Chinese President is another sign of the strong ties China and Russia currently enjoy.

"Under the guidance of President Xi and President Putin, the Sino-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a new phase, which has set a good example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major countries and neighbors and contributed powerful positive energy for world peace and development."Russia's Ambassador to China, Andrey Denisov, says the forthcoming commemorations in Moscow will serve as a reminder to the world about the dangers of war.

"We must remember the history and reduce the threats of war through our efforts. We can say the relationship between Russia and China sets a good example to the world and I hope the two countries can further develop our good relations to jointly safeguard world peace and stability."Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to begin a 3-nation tour, which will include a 3-day stop in Russia.

He's scheduled to be among a number of world leaders attending the Victory Day parade on May 9th in Red Square in Moscow.

Chinese medical teams' aid in quake-hit areas in NepalA 60-member Chinese team has begun a disinfection and epidemic control mission in western Kathmandu.

The group, members of the People's Liberation Army, are being tasked with spraying down areas with disinfectants to try to prevent the outbreak of disease in the Nepalese quake zone.

"This is my first time performing a mission abroad, and I'm a little unused to the climate and environment here. It's a little hotter than in our country, but I can take it. We have a job to do, no matter the hardships or high temperatures."At the same time, a Chinese medical team has begun treating injured children at a hillside orphanage on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

The orphanage itself collapsed during the earthquake.

Around 50 children are now living in tents.

Liu Haifeng, head of the Chinese medical team, says their biggest concern is also disease control.

"Epidemics are unlikely to break out here because it is situated halfway up the hill with only a small number of people around. This place also enjoys good ventilation and a clean environment. I looked around when I arrived here and found no contaminated water sources."The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake which jolted Nepal 10-days ago has now surpassed 75-hundred.

John Kerry Makes Historic Trip to SomaliaUS Secretary of State John Kerry has made an unannounced trip to Somalia, becoming the first US Secretary of State to visit the country.

The trip to Somalia from neighboring Kenya is being seen as a show of solidarity with the fledgling Somali national government in Mogadishu.

This government has been struggling to exert its control over the country, much of which is still administered by either tribal factions or what is now the al-Shabaab militant group in the country's south.

As part of his time in Mogadishu, John Kerry has met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

"The United States will begin the process of establishing the premises for a diplomatic mission in Mogadishu. And while we do not yet have a fixed timeline for reopening the embassy, we are immediately beginning the process of upgrading our diplomatic representation, and I look forward, as does the president, to the day when both the United States and Somalia have full-fledged missions in each other's capital cities again."Kerry's time there is the latest chapter in a long and often difficult history of US involvement in Somalia.

American troops were sent there in 1992 on a peacekeeping mission, but left two years later in humiliation after 18 servicemen were killed in the downing of a pair of Blackhawk helicopters and a subsequent rescue attempt.

The US withdrawal eventually led to the collapse of an international coalition which had been working in Somalia to try to restore order and end a massive famine which had been gripping the country, leading to over 2-decades of Somalia being without a central government.

IS 'too early' to be linked to Texas attack: White HouseThe White House says its too early to link the Islamic State to this week's attack in Texas targeting a group displaying characters of the Prophet Mohammed.

White House spokesperson Josh Earnest says investigators are looking into the claims.

"At this point this is still under investigation by the FBI and other members of the intelligence community to determine any ties or affiliations that these two individuals may have had with ISIL or other terrorist organizations around the world. So it's too early to say."The Islamic State is claiming responsibility for the attack.

A pair of gunmen attempted to storm a controversial Mohammed cartoon contest in the city of Garland with assault rifles and body armor.

The would-be gunmen were shot and killed by local security forces before they could make it inside the event.

40 Migrants Die as Boat Sinks off ItalyAn estimated 40 people are dead after their boat went down off the coast of Italy on Tuesday.

The dead are among a group of 137 migrants trying to make it to European territory from North Africa.

Those killed are among close to 18-hundred people who have died this year alone while trying to make their way from North Africa into Europe.

Many of those who try to make the dangerous crossing try to head to Italian territory.

Admiral Donato Marzano with the Italian Navy says those trying to make it into Europe generally understand the policies of the different countries involved.

"There are several countries that apply a policy of expulsion, even by force, while others, like Italy, apply the international right to rescue."Italian officials estimate the number of migrants attempting to make it to Italian shores this year will well-surpass the 170-thousand who made it from North Africa last year.

Mild temperatures and favorable weather conditions so far this year in the southern Mediterranian are being cited as the main factors behind the rapid influx of would-be asylum seekers.

Gulf Leaders Hold Summit Over YemenLeaders from Gulf Arab nations have gathered in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss international concerns about the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council are also expected to discuss concerns about the potential final nuclear deal with Iran.

French president Francois Hollande is also in Riyadh to attend the sessions.

"I come here to reaffirm the commitment of France to be alongside you, because by being at your side, it acts as a friend, an ally, but also a benevolent guardian of its own interests".

There have been growing concerns about the continuation of the Saudi-led airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, which come despite the coalition announcing late last month it was moving to a new phase.

The United Nations estimates some 12-hundred people have been killed in Yemen since the strikes began on March 19th.

Houthi rebel forces, said to be backed by Iran, continue to control much of Yemen, including most of the capital, Sana'a.

UK election too close to call as vote nearsVoters in the UK are preparing to head to the polls on Thursday in what's being described as the 'tightest' general election in decades.

Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives are running neck-and-neck with the opposition Labour Party, headed by Ed Miliband.

The latest polling shows a virtual dead-heat between the two leading parties, who are both polling at around 33-percent support.

Polster Tom Mludzinski with polling firm ComRes says it's almost certain neither party will secure a majority in parliament.

"Post the election, we're going to see all the parties enter into negotiations, whether it's Labour or the Conservatives, with their prospective partners the Liberal Democrats and the SNP. David Cameron will stay in Downing Street until a deal is done."Minority parties in the 650-seat parliament will likely hold the key to 10 Downing Street.

Foremost among them is the Scottish National Party.

Although the SNP lost its independence referendum last year, its bounced back in the polls and looks set to destroy Labour's traditional grip on Scotland.

This may potentially put the party in a commanding position when it comes to who will form government.

The Conservatives, who have been governing through a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, might have a more challenging time forming a coalition this time, as polling shows the Lib-Dems are losing support.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is said to be in danger of possibly losing his own seat in Parliament.

Results of Thursday's vote in the UK are expected to be available sometime early Friday morning Beijing-Time.

China to Relax Control on Medicine PriceAnchorThe National Development and Reform Commission has confirmed price controls on most medicines are going to be lifted across China starting next month, allowing the market to dictate prices.

But while most expect drug prices to rise, not everyone is convinced this will be the case.

CRI's Huang Shan reports.

ReporterFrom June 1, China will relax price controls over the majority of medicines, except narcotics and some listed psychotropic drugs.

The head of National Development and Reform Commission's Medicine Price Department, Song Dacai, introduces the importance of this reform.

"The reform will build a new formation mechanism for medicine prices. Through these means, prices can better reflect the situation of supply and demand in the market. With a more flexible price mechanism, patients' increasing needs for certain medicines can be satisfied; meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies will put more efforts towards development and innovation, as well as ensure the quality of medicines."With the reform, authorities are hoping that the price of major medicines can be decided by the market, and that medical insurance system can have a larger say.

Song Dacai stresses that the government will still supervise medicine prices, and serve as a defender of reasonable prices and orderly medicine market.

Insiders believe the move can further boost industry innovation and help medicine makers become more profitable.

Li Chuyuan from the Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Company is one of them.

"In the past, though the price of raw materials has increased over five times, we still cannot raise products' price levels. This has hindered our company's development. I think as the reform is being implemented, pharmaceutical companies like us will have more motivation, because the price can be adjusted according to market situations. At the same time, we can better meet patients' needs for low-cost medicines."For consumers, the first thing concerning them is whether medicine prices will rise after the reform.

The vice-president of Teda International cardiovascular hospital, Liu Yaping, says that prices may not necessarily go up.

"I think after the reform, medicines price will not rise. Moreover, lower medicine price will give more room for hospital's development."China has promised to further relax price controls.

The country has already relaxed its grip on low cost medicines, telecom services, tobacco, ports and railways, air transport, natural gas and electricity.

For CRI, I'm Huang Shan.

Hong Kong retail sales remains sluggish during holiday despite increasing tourists numberAnchorDuring the recent three-day May Day holiday, Hong Kong saw an increase of visitors, but at the same time, retail sales have remained sluggish.

Hong Kong's correspondent Li Jing has the story.

ReporterThe number of inbound tourists to Hong Kong during the May Day holiday has increased by around 12 percent compared with the same period last year.

But Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Gregory So says the streets in shopping areas seem to be less crowded.

"The number has increased, but when we go out, we feel there are fewer tourists. So we will have to study whether the way they travel has changed. The overall consumption during the May Day holiday went up, but jewelry sales dropped a lot."According to China's National Tourism Administration, data from tour agencies suggested a 20 per cent fall in hotel stays by mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong over the holiday weekend.

Instead of staying in the city, an increasing number of mainland tourists are using Hong Kong as transit point.

Meanwhile, data shows that the total retail sales value in March fell 2.9 percent compared with a year earlier.

The revised estimate of the combined total retail sales value in the first quarter also decreased 2.3 percent.

Gregory so also points out that it is still early to make any conclusion on the impact of the "one entry-exit trip per week" for Shenzhen residents.

"It will take a year to see the consequence of the new policy which has been in use for less than a month so far, we should be patient to see the changes. I hope it won't have much negative impact on retail sales."Starting from the middle of last month, people living in Shenzhen can only go to Hong Kong once a week with an entry visa.

The adaptation was introduced to crack down parallel goods traders, who are taking advantage of tax-free products in Hong Kong to make money in the mainland, and have also caused social issues in border areas in Hong Kong.

The move came after a series of protests against mainland tourists and parallel goods traders, which resulted to a sharp decline of mainland travellers in the first quarter of this year.

In an effort to boost spending and to show that they welcome tourists, nearly 15-thousand outlets in Hong Kong are in the middle of a five-week discounts campaign.

The move targets at both local residents as well as visitors starting from late last month.

For CRI, this is Li Jing in Hong Kong.

Finance companies expanding to China's film industryAnchorWould-be domestic and foreign companies looking to establish themselves in China's ever-growing film industry are being warned of potential challenges ahead, as more and more companies look to tap into the potentially-lucrative sector.

CRI's Lai Ming has more.

ReporterChina's film industry is expanding fast.

In April 2015, the 5th Beijing International Film Festival witnessed the signing of 35 projects worth 2.2 billion dollars.

In the light of huge demand and gratifying profits, financial companies are quick to adapt.

Shanghai Sova Capital used to focus on private equity funding, but has turned its eyes to the film industry since 2012. Vice president He Xiaoqiu explains the challenges Sova has had to overcome after the strategic shift.

"Finance is a part of the film industry. Many major studios in Hollywood also possess finance and investment capabilities. But China's film industry is rudimentary, its small and there are many irregularities that impede the entry of financial capital."Film Finances claims to be a world leader in completion guarantees. Founded in 1950, the American company offers assurance to investors that the producers will complete and deliver the films to distributors, the latest being the 2015 spy comedy film "Kingsman: the Secret Service."April Ye, CEO of Film Finances' China Cultural Services, says the company also needs to adjust as it introduces its services in China.

"Everything here has just recently become industrialized. The film industry and also the people who are interested in doing films are new, a lot of them are from outside the industry."Expanding business in a foreign territory can be daunting, but sometimes all it takes is a reliable partner. In March 2015, Canadian-American entertainment company Lionsgate and China's Hunan TV & Broadcast announced a film finance & distribution deal. Bennet Pozil, executive vice president at East West Bank who worked on the deal, highlighted the benefits for both sides.

"Hunan can learn from Lionsgate in terms of what Lionsgate does internationally, how they made English-language pictures, how they exploit them – international sales, domestic distribution in the US. Conversely, Lionsgate is able to learn from Hunan Broadcasting and TIK Films as to how to make a movie or TV show in China, how to make it successful, how to release it theatrically, how to broadcast it on satellite, or through internet streaming."With more domestic and foreign players joining the business, there seem to be plenty of opportunities for Chinese directors. But young director Jiang Jun believes filmmakers should still stay focused on their own projects.

"Filmmakers above all need to help themselves. It costs almost nothing to write a really good story, and keep coming up with good stories is what helps filmmakers go further in their career."For CRI, I'm Laiming.

Documentary about Deng Xiaoping's US visit set for releaseA new documentary about late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's historic visit to the United States in 1979 is scheduled to hit Chinese theatres on May 15th.

The film details Deng Xiaoping's visit to the United States, which took place from late January to early February in 1979, shortly after the official establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The film includes clips of his meetings with American politicians, as well as TV interviews and other events.

Deng Xiaoping's trip to the United States is considered China's first major international diplomatic mission following the chaos and internal political upheavals in China during the Cultural Revolution.

WeatherBeijing will be cloudy today with a high of 22 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures should drop down to 10.

Shanghai will be overcast with a high of 22 and a low of 17.

In Chongqing, it will be cloudy during the daytime with a high of 29 and lows of 20.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Kathmandu, sunny, 29.

Islamabad will be sunny with a high of 38.

Kabul will be sunny with a high of 31.

Over to North America,New York will be cloudy with a high of 20 degrees.

Washington, cloudy with a high of 29 degrees.

Honolulu, partly cloudy, 27.

Toronto, Canada, will be cloudy with a high of 21 degrees.

Finally, on to South America,Buenos Aires will be cloudy with a high of 17.

And Rio de Janeiro will be cloudy with a high of 24 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsChina-EU leaders send messages marking 40th years of tiesChinese and European Union leaders have sent out messages of congratulations to mark the 40th anniversary of the China-EU diplomatic ties today.

In his message to European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Chinese President Xi Jinping is hailing the strategic importance of the China-EU relationship.

For their part, both Tusk and Juncker have sent out a similar note, saying the two sides should continue working together for the peace, prosperity and sustainable development the world at large.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has also sent out a series of congratulatory messages to EU leaders.

China plans medicine price checks following market reformChina's top economic regulator is launching a 6-month check on the prescription drug market following its decision to remove controls on most medicine prices.

The probe is meant to try to detect any price manipulation.

Local authorities are being told to set up an online platform for better price monitoring.

Price controls on most prescription medicines are being lifted starting next month.

This is widely expected to see prescription drug prices rise, as price controls have been in-place in the drug market for years in China.

Humanitarian relief, reconstruction key to next stage of Nepal recovery: UN agenciesA number of UN agencies are appealing for humanitarian relief and reconstruction funds for the next stage of recovery in Nepal.

The death toll from the massive quake 10-days ago has now surpassed 75-hundred.

The UN Humanitarian Affairs office has begun distributing more than 2-thousand tons of food across 15 different districts in Nepal.

At the same time, the UN Development Program says its begun a structural assessment of public buildings to help begin the rebuilding process.

Mike Huckabee announces running for U.S. presidentFormer Arkansas governor and Fox News host Mike Huckabee has announced he's seeking the Republican nomination for president.

The 59-year-old is seeking the nomination for the second time.

In 2008, Huckabee - campaigning mostly toward Christian conservatives - managed to win 8 different states in the Republican primaries.

However, he was eventually defeated by eventual nominee John McCain.

U.S. space agency chief confident of putting Americans on Mars in 2030sA leading official with NASA has gone on-record saying the US Space Agency may be able to reach a goal set by President Barack Obama 5-years ago of landing American astronauts on Mars in the 2030s.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden says the plan remains clear, affordable and sustainable.

NASA plans to send a lander to Mars next year to study the core of the Red Planet.

A new Mars rover is expected to be launched in 2020.

The rover is expected to collect samples from Mars, and then later return them to Earth.

Biz reportsFirst, a quick check on the closing numbers across North America and Europe.

A number of US stocks suffered big losses on Tuesday, with investors becoming nervous following a number of market sell-offs in different parts of the world.

At the same time, the US markets were also hit by new US trade data showing the trade deficit has come in wider-than-expected through March, hitting over 51 billon US dollars.

The US trade gap has hit its highest level in 7-years, following the conclusion of a dispute among port workers along the US West Coast.

At the close,The Dow Jones finished down 0.8 percent.

The S&P 500 shed 1.2 percent.

The Nasdaq slumped 1.6 percent.

European markets also saw a sharp decline, with investors remaining concerned about the situation in Greece.

Fears are growing Greece will run out of cash if it doesn't come to an agreement with its European creditors next week.

But at the same time, the Eurozone is predicting stronger economic growth this year.

We'll have more on that in just a moment.

At Close,The UK's FTSE 100 dropped 0.8 percent.

Germany's DAX fell 2.5 percent.

and France's CAC 40 ended 2.1% lower.

EU expects a stronger economic growthOfficials with the European Union are predicting stronger economic growth for this year.

Pierre Moscovici, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, says lower oil prices and sustained economic growth in Europe are the main reasons behind the increased optimism.

"In the EU, as a whole, real GDP growth is forecast to rise from 1.4 percent in 2014 to 1.8 percent this year and to accelerate further to 2.1 percent in 2016. In the euro area growth is expected to pick up from 0.9 percent last year to 1.5 percent in 2015 and 1.9 percent in 2016."However, the European Commission is warning growth in Greece this year is only going to hit 0.5-percent.

This is down sharply from the 2-percent growth forecast just 3-months ago.

The new Greek government has still been unable to negotiate a new package of economic reforms with its European creditors to unlock additional bailout funds.

China's information consumption to surge: reportNew analysis is suggesting spending on information products in China is going to increase by some 20-percent this year.

A new report from the Ministry of Commerce says this will include increased purchases of computers, telecommunication and Internet-based services.

The report suggests IT product sales may hit 500-billion US dollars this year.

Among the purchases, "Smart" home appliances and mobile-based video programs are expected to lead the charge.

Letv's phone attracts over 1.2m buyers on the first dayOnline video-sharing platform LeTV says 1.2 million people have already ordered its new smartphone online since being made available yesterday.

LeTV says it plans to begin shipping the first batch of some 200-thousand smartphones this coming weekend.

The phones are said to offer video streaming and a high-definition screen, which the company claims has more resolution than the iPhone 6 plus.

LeTV's phones are retailing at 15-hundred yuan to start.

The company has an estimated market cap of 17-billion US dollars.

It's listed on the ChiNext growth enterprise market.

Antivirus test labs call out Qihoo 360 as cheatChinese antivirus firm Qihoo 360 is suggesting market differences are the main reason behind the firm being censured by three different testing organizations for allegedly cheating on some of its international evaluations.

Three separate labs in Austria, Germany and the UK have stripped Qihoo of all its international certifications and rankings for this year.

This, after the labs discovered Qihoo sent them different software programs which aren't available to consumers.

Qihoo vice-President Qu Xiaodong says the company's antivirus software is based on a multi-engine architecture, meaning it works differently in overseas markets compared to China..

"We use different engines of 360 security products in various markets. 360 is an antivirus software with multi- engines. In the Chinese market, we are using the QVM engine based on cloud technology which is more suitable given the market rules."In admonishing Qihoo, the three labs say they're also going to increase their scrutiny of the company in any future testing.

Qihoo 360 is a Beijing-based antivirus software producer.

It reported revenues of 1.4-billion U.S. dollars in 2014.

China promote private investment through franchisingChina's top economic regulator has unveiled new laws allowing private investors to jointly-build projects in the energy, transportation, water and environmental protection sectors with the government.

The new plans, known as Public-Private Partnerships, will be open to both foreign and domestic private tendering in June.

Li Pumin, Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission, says the investment model makes sense for China.

"This regulation can help attract private money into infrastructure and public projects via corporate investment. Companies, be them either domestic or foreign, will be treated equally in the bidding process for infrastructure and public projects."Policy banks and other lending institutions are also being forced to provide "differentiated" credit support to the projects.

This will include loans of up to 30-years.

Robust property sales over holidayIt is being reported that new housing projects in first-tier cities enjoyed robust sales over the Labor Day holiday.

This is mainly due to previous government stimulus policies that continued to filter through to the market.

These included a down payment ratio as low as 30 percent for second-home purchases that was released on March 30th.

Hu Jinghui is the vice president of 5i5j, real estate agency.

He attributes the robust sales to the March 30th policy.

"The policy is favorable to smaller home owners, and at the same time real estate agencies can be exempt from sales taxes for the first 5 years, which is further extended from the previous 2 years exemption. Plus, spring festival falls later, so at some point, it drives people who meant to make their purchase in March to buy in April."According to the China Index Academy, first-tier cities posted a 31 percent surge in sales, second-tier cities rose 5 percent, while third-tier cities dropped 7 percent.

A total of 201 new homes were sold and registered with the Beijing housing authority during the two days, up 19 percent compared with the same period a year ago.

In Shenzhen, the number stood at 195 units, up four-fold from last year.

New projects in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen reportedly sold out within 24 hours of going on sale.

Dongfeng motor denies merger rumor with FAWChinese vehicle maker Dongfeng is denying reports its being tapped for a merger with domestic rival FAW Group.

Dongfeng says it has not received any word from government agencies about a possible forced merger.

Both Dongfeng and FAW are state-run automakers.

Reports of their possible merger began yesterday after trading of their shares was briefly halted ahead of the announcement of the appointment of new chairs for both companies.

The Chinese government has been looking toward consolidating a number of key sectors of the Chinese economy.

This has led to speculation the auto sector could be on that list.

Canton Fair buyers and turnover declineNew stats from the latest edition of China's largest trade fair show a deline in both the number of buyers and transaction volumes during this year's Spring Session of the Canton Fair.

The Canton Fair is used as a broad-based barometer for the country's exports.

Among the 180-thousand buyers attending the Spring session, the number from Europe is down by nearly 18-percent.

Representations from countries along the Chinese government’s “Belt and Road” initiative have gone up less-than 1-percent.

The Canton Fair is held twice a year in the southern city of Guangzhou.

SportsLiu Xiang to Bid Athletics Farewell at Diamond League ShanghaiChinese star hurdling champion Liu Xiang will officially say goodbye to the sport at the Diamond League Shanghai athletics competition on May 17.

Liu first announced his retirement via Weibo in early April; the Olympiad will make it official with a personal farewell in Shanghai, ending his 19-year career.

Dubbed China's "flying man," Liu became the first Chinese to win Olympic gold in track when he topped the 110-meter hurdles at the 2004 Summer Games. He later broke the world record in 2006, and won the world championship in Osaka in 2007.

Liu became the first male hurdler to own Olympic gold, the world title and world record at the same time.

But Liu wouldn't have a repeat performance. A re-occurring Achilles tendon injury has kept him on the sideless since 2012 and has hastened his retirement.

Football: Juventus Beat Real Madrid 2-1 in 1st Leg of UEFA Semi-FinalIn footballStarting things off with UEFA Champions League Action:

Juventus edged La Liga giants Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-finals matchup.

It was former Real forward Alvaro Morata who opened scoring for Juve in the ninth minute. Morata joined the Italian club last summer--right after he helped Real Madrid snag its tenth European Cup title.

Madrid equalized in the 27th minute, with a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.

But Juventus retook the lead when Carlos Tevez converted a penalty to double Juve's lead.

In the AFC Champions League:

Guangzhou Evergrande advanced to the last 16 of the Asian Champions League on Tuesday despite a 2-0 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers in their final group game.

Even with the win, Western Sydney's chances of reach the last 16 were ended when FC Seoul beat the Kashima Antlers in the other Group H game.

And Beijing Guo'an are through after drawing 1-1 with Suwon Samsung, who are through following the tie.

NBA Playoff PreviewIn hoops action from the National Basketball Association Playoffs:

This morning at about 8 a.m., Beijing time:

The Washington Wizards head into game two against the Atlanta Hawks.

Washington currently lead the series after taking the first game 104-98; they still remain unbeaten in this post-season.

And later this morning:

Golden State will battle Memphis in Oakland for game two of their series.

The Warriors' game-one win over the Grizzlies on Sunday helped point guard Stephen Curry make his case for this year's MVP award, which he was given yesterday.

Golden State still remains unbeaten at home throughout both the regular and post-season.

Tennis: Madrid Open Recap,Taking a look at tennis at the Mardid Open:

In men's action:

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria advanced after Donald Young of the United States had to retire from the match because of injury.

The 25-year-old Young received treatment for back pain while trailing 6-4, 3-0 and was unable to resume play.

Dimitrov will next face Fabio Fognini of Italy.

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Gael Monfils also advanced.

Fernando Verdasco came from a set behind to beat fellow Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Canadian Milos Raonic beat Juan Monaco of Argentina, 6-3, 6-4.

Stan Wawrinka took a straight-set win over Joao Sousa.

In women's action:

No. 3 seed Maria Sharapova handily beat Mariana Duque Marino 6-1, 6-2;Fourth-seed Petra Kvitova is through after beating American Coco Vandeweghe 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

No. 7 Ana Ivanovic took a straight-set win over Ukraine's Elina Svitolina;Tenth-seed Spaniard Carla Suarez-Navarro downed Germany's Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5;and 14th-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova went down to France's Caroline Garcia 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

Boxing: Floyd Mayweather Says He'd Fight Pacquiao Again, Two Vegas Residents Sue Pac-Man for Hiding Shoulder InjuryIn Boxing news:

ESPN is reporting that Floyd Mayweather says he is willing to fight Manny Pacquiao one more time, after emerging victorious from their much-hyped megafight this past weekend.

The Pac-Man is undergoing surgery for a torn rotator cuff and won't be back in action for nine months to a year--Mayweather says he's willing to wait for the rematch.

The undefeated boxer said during last week's post-fight press conference that he would retire after his next fight in September, but that he "was human," and could contradict himself.

In related boxing news:

Two Las Vegas residents have filed a five-million-dollar lawsuit against Pacquiao, his manager and promoters for allegedly concealing the boxer's shoulder injury before last weekend's fight took place.

The plaintiffs allege that the contest, which was promoted as "the fight of the century," was not a fair bout, as it was expected to be--and thus a violation of the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

NHL Playoff PreviewOver in the National Hockey League Playoffs:

Getting underway at about 8 a.m., Beijing time,The Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice against the Minnesota Wild for game three of their playoff series.

The Blackhawks are currently up two games to nothing.

And later,The Anaheim Ducks will try to make it three wins in a row when they face the currently-winless Calgary Flames in the third game in their series.

EntertainmentWinners of Screenwriting Competition announced in BeijingThe winners of the Second Young People's Screenwriting Competition, one of China's highest contests for college students, have been announced in Beijing.

A total of ten original screenplays out of 50 nominations won the awards at a ceremony held at the Beijing Normal University.

The competition is created with the aim to discover new screenplays by up-and-coming young writers.

Zhou Xing, deputy executive director of the organizing committee of the Beijing College Student Film Festival said this year there is more diversity.

"There is an increase of genres this year, like detective and fantasy, and also those with more sophisticated story-telling. And the expression of youth is also diversified, not just confined to love between boys and girls. But I think these writers should work harder, because even though you have a good grasp on your subject, on the genre, you still need to dig deep into and distill lives."Around 517 screenplays entered the annual contest, which was launched in January this year.

The competition is part of the Beijing College Student Film Festival, organized jointly by Beijing Normal University and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio, Film and Television.

The annual event, held between April and May, is one of the biggest film festivals in China.

Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood record charity single for NepalRolling Stones rockers Sir Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood have released a charity single to raise funds for those affected by the Nepal earthquake.

The stars donated their time for free to "Look into Your Heart" with a choir made up of 100 supporters from the charity Save the Children, who bid for the opportunity to sing with the Stones at auction.

They recruited pop star Beverley Knight to sing with the choir, while the rockers played the guitar and covered the backing vocals.

The track, which was produced by Pink Floyd's Nick Mason, and all proceeds will be donated to Save the Children's Nepal Earthquake Appeal, created after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal at the end of April.

Sam Smith cancels more showsBritish singer Sam Smith has had to cancel more tour dates after suffering a hemorrhage to his vocal cords.

The soulful singer initially canceled several dates in Australia last week, but has now confirmed that dates in the Philippines and Japan are also canceled.

He shared the latest news on Instagram, the dates were scheduled for May 7 and May 8 in Japan and May 10 in the Philippines. He also added that he will head to the states to seek treatment.

His next gig is slated for May 15 in Alabama at the Hangout Festival, followed by a performance in Las Vegas at the Rock in Rio event on May 16 before resuming his tour.

Mariah Carey to perform at 2015 Billboard AwardsUS R&B star Mariah Carey has been added to the list of artists set to perform at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.

The 14-time Billboard Music Award winner hasn't performed at the show since 1998.

Carey, who released her latest single on April 26, plans to release a compilation of her No. 1 hits on May 18.

Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea, Nick Jonas, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Kelly Clarkson will also perform at the Billboard Music Awards, which will be hosted by Chrissy Teigen and Ludacris.

The awards show airs May 17 on ABC.

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

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

Leading Chinese and European Union officials have been meeting here in Beijing to, among other things, mark 40-years of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

Russian and Chinese officials pointing to Xi Jinping's forthcoming trip to Moscow as a sign of the support the two countries currently share for one-another.

US Secretary of State John Kerry makes an unprecedented stop in Somalia to show US support to that country's central government.

In Business.... a new report suggests tech purchases here in China are expected to soar this year.

On behalf of the Beijing Hour staffers, this is Paul James Beijing hoping you'll join us for our next edition of the Beijing Hour to open a window to the world together.