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

Coming up on our program this morning...

The Chinese premier tells European leaders in Paris that development is still his country's top priority...

China and the European Union reach an agreement to simplify visa procedures for Chinese visitors to the EU...

The US and Cuba have formally announced the re-opening of embassies in each others' countries...

In Business...lower transaction fees for stock trading and relaxed margin-trading rules in China...

In Sports...Updates from Wimbledon after the first two rounds of play...

In entertainment...a Chinese action star is #2 on Forbes list of the highest-paid actors of the past year...

Top NewsDevelopment remains China's top priority: Premier LiChinese Premier Li Keqiang has taken his time in Paris to deliver a speech at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Premier Li told the assembled audience that development is still China's top priority.

"China remains the world's biggest developing country. In terms of aggregate economy, it is true that China ranks as the world's second but in terms of per capita GDP, China's per capita GDP is only 7,589 US dollars -- 65 percent of the world's average level, one seventh of the US, one fifth of the European Union, ranking as the 80th in the world."The premier stressed that given the fact the world economy is still in recovery, the tasks of stabilizing economy, increasing employment, and promoting sustainable development remain challenges for every country.

Li Keqiang says China has taken a series of measures in the face of these challenges.

These include conducting economic structural reforms, easing market access, and encouraging mass entrepreneurship.

By these means, the premier says he is confident China can achieve its growth target set for 2015.

"Through our hard work, we have the ability and the confidence to achieve the target of around 7 percent of GDP growth for this year. If the Chinese economy indeed grows by 7 percent this year, the increased volume will be bigger than the 7.4 percent GDP growth last year, so if the Chinese economy continues to maintain such a medium to high level growth rate, in 10 years or even 10 plus years and by the middle of the century, the dream of the people to make the country a mid-level developed country will be achieved and realized."Li Keqiang is on a four day official visit to France, the first by a Chinese premier to the European country in nearly a decade.

China, France highly Complementary in Nuclear Power, Aviation CooperationAnchorExperts and politicians from both China and France are hailing a basket of cooperation deals signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit in Paris, saying the cooperation between the two countries is highly complementary and beneficial.

The details from CRI's Niu Honglin.

ReporterOne of the new agreements Li Keqiang has overseen includes a number of collaboration agreements among Chinese and French nuclear power companies.

Among the agreements, French nuclear power giant Areva has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the China National Nuclear Corporation for the creation of a used nuclear fuel processing and recycling facility.

Another agreement between the two covers the entire fuel cycle: including extraction and conversion of uranium, fabrication of zirconium fuel assemblies, deconstruction and dismantling, transportation and recycling.

The nuclear agreements are the latest in a long history of nuclear power ties between China and France.

The two countries began collaborating back in 1978, when then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping announced China's purchase of two nuclear power plants from France.

Zhou Dadi, vice director of the China Energy Research Institute, says China's first nuclear power plant, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, was built with French technology.

"China and France has a long history of nuclear power cooperation. French companies' nuclear technology has been playing an important role in China's construction and operation of nuclear power plants. Our long-term cooperation covers not only the technology, but also management exchanges. One the Chinese side, we will also help France develop their third-generation nuclear reactor EPR project."Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has also overseen the purchase of 45 Airbus A330's, as well as a deal for a provisional order for 30 more planes in the future.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who has also taken part in the signing ceremony, says they want to see ties between China and France expand when it comes to industrial capacity.

"That's also the case for aeronautics. We are developing a large scale industrial partnership. The agreement we signed a few minutes ago is on the firm sale of forty five A330 Airbus with an optional deal for another thirty aircrafts and another agreement will be signed in Toulouse on Thursday on the creation of an aircraft completion centre in Tianjin."The Chinese and French governments have also announced plans to create a joint fund to support collaborations with third-parties markets in a variety of fields.

Feng Zhongping is the vice dean of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations,.

He explains that third-party markets mainly refer to developing countries in Africa and Latin-America, especially the ones in initial stages of industrialization or with low urbanization levels.

"China is an industrial powerhouse and Europe is known for its most advanced technologies. Meanwhile, the developing countries have a strong demand in infrastructure updates, which provides a huge opportunity for China and the EU."Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's time in Paris comes on the heels of a stop in Belgium as part of his current tour in Europe.

For CRI, I'm Niu Honglin.

EU to simplify visa policies for Chinese visitorsAnchorChina and the European Union have come to a new agreement, allowing for 15 visa application centers to be opened up in Chinese cities which don't have consulates.

This comes as a growing number of European countries take steps to simplify visa policies for Chinese travelers.

CRI's Yu Yang has more details.

ReporterEmbassies and consulates of EU countries in China are mostly in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

This means people hoping to get a visa for travelling to EU countries have to either travel a significant distance or pay travel agencies when applying for Schengen visas, which are good for any EU country.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in signing the agreement, says the new visa centers will be very helpful for Chinese tourists, business people and students studying abroad.

At the same time, Britain and Belgium are now unifying their visa application services.

This means Chinese travellers can get both their British and Schengen visas in just one trip.

Qian Gang, Manager for the Greater China Region with the British Tourism Authority, says the new policy is very welcome for the UK.

"Chinese tourists are a valuable market for us. Chinese tourists rank first around the world in terms of overseas spending. On average, Chinese people spend 2500 pounds for a single visit to Britain."Meanwhile, the German embassy has also expanded its visa office.

Business travellers to Germany are being promised visas within 48 hours.

"The German embassy has relaxed a lot its policies toward business visas. Rejection rates have decreased a lot. Before, you had to go to the embassy for interviews in order to get the visa. Now all you have to do is to submit the right documents."Tourists trying to get to France, Spain and Italy are also being promised visas in just one or two days.

The French and Finnish embassies in Beijing are now sending their visas to successful applicants by express delivery.

Chen Fengying with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations says all of this comes as countries in Europe battle it out for Chinese money.

"European countries want to attract more Chinese tourists to stimulate their economies and create more jobs. Many European countries are facing high unemployment rates and large debts. Many need to urgently develop their economies. So as policies are relaxed, more Chinese consumers can enter their markets."Chinese nationals made an estimated 120-million foreign visits last year.

That figure is expected to rise to 200-million by 2020.

For CRI, this is Yu Yang.

Australia opens 5000 work and holiday visas to young Chinese peopleAnchorMeanwhile, Australia has unveiled a new visa policy targeting young Chinese people. Qualified applicants are eligible to stay in Australia for up to one year for the purpose of working and traveling.

The new policy comes weeks following the approval of a free trade agreement between the two sides.

CRI's Sophie Williams has more.

ReporterAssistant Minister for Australia's Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash says it is Australia's largest short-term Work and Holiday visa program so far.

"As of September 2015, the first 1,500 places in the Working and Holiday Visa program are going to be open for application. We will then release more places, up to 2,500 sustained, until we reach our annual cap of 5,000 places."Cash says any Chinese national aged between 18 and 30 with at least two years of higher education is eligible to apply for the new visa online. Applicants also need to score at least 4.5 in the IELTS English test and prove they have at least 5000 Australian dollars in the bank.

People who hold this kind of Visa can stay in Australia for up to 12 months. Visa holders can spend up to four months in school and six months working.

The new measures were signed alongside the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement approved last month.

Cash says the new visa policy will bring great opportunities to people from both sides.

"It is a very exciting time for the relationship between Australia and China. China is Australia's largest and fastest growing source of tourism and business visitor's visas, and China is also the largest source of our International students, and is the second largest source of permanent migrants to Australia. So it's just absolutely fantastic today, we can now wait the Work and Holiday arrangement to the numerous options available to people from China to come to Australia."Tim Jones, General Manager of Asia and Strategic Partnerships with Tourism Australia, says the new policy will significantly benefit the people-to-people communications between China and Australia.

"I think it is a fantastic opportunity for young Chinese people to travel to Australia and to experience Australia, to meet and share their life experiences with Australian people. We are a very welcoming country. We welcome people from around the world."Meantime, the Australian government has announced several other changes to its visa policies in China which will take effect next year, including issuing 10-year visitor's visa. Applicants can also request for doing the visa interview in Mandarin and a 48-hour urgent service.

Assistant Minister for Australia's Immigration and Border Protection Cash says these polices will further simplify the visa application procedure and bring great economic benefits to Australia.

For CRI, I'm Sophie Williams .

China Adopts New National Security Law Highlighting Cyber SecurityAnchorChina's top legislature has adopted a new national security law.

The new law covers a wide range of areas, including internet security and the establishment of a crisis management system.

CRI's Xie Cheng has more.

ReporterSecurity has been a hot-topic issue in China since the establishment of a National Security Commission in 2013.

President Xi Jinping heads the Commission.

He's been pushing for overarching legislation that can help the country deal with national security threats and risks.

Zheng Shuna, vice chair of the Legislative Affairs Commission on the Natioal People's Congress Standing Committee, says the new law is crucial in the face of ever-growing security challenges.

"Today China's national security is crucial, particularly because of the dual pressures we're under. Externally speaking, China must defend its sovereignty, security and development interests. Internally speaking, it must also maintain political security and social stability. "One key element of the new law is the tightening of cyberspace security.

Under the new legislation, the government is promising tighter controls over Internet and information technologies, infrastructure as well as information systems and data in key sectors.

Zheng Shuna says foreign companies need not be concerned about the changes in the laws.

"China is always willing to cooperate with other countries in safeguarding cyber security, build a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative internet, and establish a multilateral, democratic and transparent international Internet management system."The new law also creates a new crisis management system.

Zhang Dejiang, chair of the NPC Standing Committee, explains the significance of the new law.

"The National Security Law is a basic and comprehensive criteria covering areas of national security. It will play a leading role in constructing a national security system. The implementation and enactment of the new law will pave a legal way for national security with Chinese characteristics. "China's first National Security Law took effect in 1993.

That legislation mainly regulated the work of China's national security agencies.

That law was was renamed the Counterespionage Law in November.

For CRI, this is Xie Cheng.

CY Leung calls on HK to catch up at the 18th anniversary of the establishment of HKSARAnchorHong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung has delivered a speech calling for lawmakers in the city to "act fast" to stay relevant.

His speech has coincided with the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Wednesday.

CRI's correspondent Li Jing has more from Hong KongReporterDespite the notable developments achieved over the past year, including the launch of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect system, the mutual recognition of funds between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and the early realization of basic liberalization of trade in services between Hong Kong and neighboring Guangdong, Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung notes challenges ahead.

"In some areas, such as innovation and technology, Hong Kong is clearly lagging behind and must act fast to catch up. In recent years, some have played down the importance of economic activity and development, or even damaged Hong Kong's reputation, turning a blind eye to the social consequences of a weakened economy. We must stay alert."CY Leung says Hong Kong should continue to capitalize on the "One Country, Two Systems" format Hong Kong is currently governed under, suggesting the city should be a "super-connector" between the mainland and the rest of the world.

"Thanks to our "one country, two systems" arrangement, Hong Kong will serve as a bridge in the Mainland's emerging "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Our world-class trading, logistics, business and professional services and financial sectors can play the triple roles of investor, intermediary and supporter."The latest figures from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development shows Hong Kong, as a city, ranks second in global foreign direct investment inflows, ahead of the US and just behind the Chinese mainland.

The Special Administration Region also ranks second in terms of FDI outflows.

CY Leung says the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is also going to create enormous opportunities for the city.

"Hong Kong can help, in areas such as project financing, bond issuance, investment, financial management and foreign-exchange management. We can also provide legal, engineering, accounting and other professional services for the planning and implementation of AIIB infrastructure projects."CY Leung also says he plans to spend the next 2-years focusing on the economy, with housing and poverty alleviation high on the agenda.

Various activities are being held across Hong Kong to mark the July 1st return of Hong Kong to China 18-years ago.

They include the annual opening of the People's Liberation Army Garrison to the public, as well as a number of festive parades.

For CRI, this is Li Jing in Hong Kong.

Fujian to Issue New Type Mainland Pass to Taiwan ResidentsAfter the removal of the visa-like entry permit for Taiwan residents, the Chinese mainland has announced further measures to give more convenience to Taiwan's people.

The Ministry of Public Security has announced Fujian province will begin to validate a new type of electronic pass card to replace current travel pass booklets, which is still required for Taiwan residents who want to visit the mainland.

Zhang Dongli, head of Fujian's exit and entry administration explains differences between the new pass card and the current travel pass booklet.

"There are obviously two differences: first, (compared to a booklet), an ID card is easier to carry around; second, those pages designed for entry permit stamps will no longer exist. And one more thing that I think it is important; we will add an intelligence chip into the pass card. "Along with being easier to carry around, the new pass cards are chip-enabled and will be quicker to scan and read when passing through the border.

Current travel pass booklets remain valid until reaching the booklet's expiration date. Otherwise Taiwan residents can apply for a new pass card. And the 8-digit codes printed on their previous travel pass to the mainland will remain unchanged.

Application fees for the new pass cards will also remain the same.

US, Cuba Agree to Restore Diplomatic Ties, Reopen EmbassiesAnchorThe United States and Cuba have re-established diplomatic relations, announcing the opening of embassies in each others' countries.

Our Washington correspondent Kevin McAleese reports.

Reporter"This is what change looks like"Change that took 50 years as The US president made his announcement from a sun-drenched rose garden at the White House.

"Today, I can announce that the United States has formally agreed to reestablish the diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Cuba, and reopen embassies in our respective countries. This is a historic step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with the Cuban government and people, and begin a new chapter with our neighbours in the Americas."According to the Cuban Foreign ministry the flags will be raised over the respective embassies later this month, with US secretary of state John Kerry expected in the Cuban capital.

"I look forward to taking part in the reopening of our United States embassy and in the raising of the stars ans stripes over that embassy."Warming in ties came to light last December when secret talks between the sides began, progress was quick, with the US removing Cuba from the their list of State Sponsors of Terrorism earlier this year - plans to restart ferry and air travel between the US and Cuba, another development.

While the embassy flags will fly, nominations for the US ambassador still need to clear a Senate vote, while the Obama administration will now look for to congress to bring an end to the Cuban trade embargo, imposed over 5 decades ago.

For CRI, I'm Kevin McAleese in Washington.

Greek PM Urging Voters to Say No to the ReferendumGreek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has delivered an address to his nation, urging citizens to vote against a bailout proposal in a referendum on Sunday, and promising a solution to the debt crisis.

Tsipras on Wednesday urged voters to vote 'No' and promised that wages and pensions would be safe.

"Wages and pensions will not be lost; the deposits of those citizens who chose not to move their money abroad will not be lost on the sacrificial altar of blackmail. I personally take full responsibility for finding a solution right after the referendum."Greece has put new proposals to eurozone partners offering concession on most of what had been discussed, but with conditions.

However the chairman of the Eurogroup Jeroen Dijsselbloem says the group has decided to break off talks on Greece's financial bailout until after Sunday's referendum.

"The main decision was that, given the political situation, the rejection of the previous proposals, the referendum which will take place on Sunday and the 'no' advice of the Greek government, we see no ground for further talks at this point."Athens has already missed the deadline to repay a 1.6 billion euro loan installment to the International Monetary Fund.

The Sunday referendum will decide whether or not to accept the Eurogroup creditor's offer for a reforms-for-cash debt deal.

Greece's banks have been closed since Monday and capital controls have been imposed after the European Central Bank froze emergency liquidity assistance to Greek banks.

Iran, U.S. claim progress made in latest round of nuclear talksTop American and Iranian diplomats are both reporting progress at the talks over Iran's nuclear program.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif each commented in Vienna, a day after a deadline for a final deal had passed.

The sides agreed earlier this week to extend the June 30th deadline to July 7th.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius are expected to rejoin negotiations in Vienna later today, along with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini.

The talks involve the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, and Iran.

Russia halts gas supply to Ukraine amid pricing disputeRussian gas giant Gazprom has halted supplies to Ukraine.

This comes after the collapse of pricing talks between the two countries for the next season.

Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller says Russia halted the supply because Ukraine didn't pay the advance for the July delivery.

"The stoppage is done strictly in accordance with the contract. It is needed to point out that the conditions on July's gas delivery to Ukraine were agreed. There are no (unresolved) questions."The Ukrainian minister says the discount that Russia offered wasn't enough and Ukraine would buy gas from other countries until an agreement is reached.

Russia and Ukraine have pledged there will be no interruptions in gas supply to Europe despite the breakdown of the talks between them.

Israeli Prime Minister offers condolences to Egyptian military victim in fighting the ISIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is offering his condolences to the victims among the Egyptian military in fighting against Islamist extremists in northern Sinai.

17 Egyptian soldiers have been killed in recent clashes while at least 100 militants have been killed by the army.

An offensive by government forces was in retaliation for a wave of attacks in the area earlier that claimed at least 64 lives.

Netanyahu also called on the international community to stand up to "all the forces of militant Islam.""We see ISIS (islamic State group) at the gates, across the border in the Golan, across the border in Egypt. We send our condolences to the government and people of Egypt for the fallen Egyptians slayed by ISIS terror. We must stand up to all the forces of militant Islam, those led by Iran, those led by ISIS. We should not strengthen one or the other, we should weaken both of them."The Sinai Peninsula lies between Israel, the Gaza Strip and the Suez Canal.

Islamic State had urged its followers to escalate attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan which started in mid-June, though it did not specify Egypt as a target.

The Egyptian army has extended a state of emergency imposed in parts of Sinai since April.

WeatherBeijing will be cloudy with a high of 34 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures should drop down to 18.

Shanghai will be cloudy with a high of 30 and a low of 22.

In Chongqing, it will be overcast during the daytime with a high of 29 and lows of 24.

Elsewhere in the world, staying here in Asia,Kathmandu, slight rain, 29.

Islamabad will see slight rain with a high of 36.

Kabul will be cloudy with a high of 31.

Over to North America,New York will be overcast with a high of 25 degrees.

Washington, overcast with a high of 28 degrees.

Honolulu, slight rain, 27.

Toronto will be cloudy with a high of 21 degrees.

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

And Rio de Janeiro will see slight rain with a high of 23 degrees Celsius.

Headline newsDevelopment remains China's top priority: Premier LiChinese Premier Li Keqiang has taken his time in Paris to deliver a speech at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Premier Li told the assembled audience that China remains the world's biggest developing country and development is still a top priority for the country.

The premier stressed that given the fact the world economy is still in recovery, the tasks of stabilizing economy, increasing employment, and promoting sustainable development remain challenges for China and every other country.

Li Keqiang is on a four day official visit to France, the first by a Chinese premier to the European country in nearly a decade.

China adopts national security lawChina's top legislature has adopted a new national security law in its latest move to improve the legal framework protecting national interests.

The law was passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress after a third reading.

For the first time, China has included activities and assets in outer space, on the international sea bed, and in polar regions, in its security law.

The top legislature has also endorsed a decision that Chinese officials shall pledge allegiance to the Constitution when taking their posts.

The move aims to inspire state functionaries to be loyal to, and safeguarding, the Constitution.

US, Cuba Agree to Restore Diplomatic Ties, Reopen EmbassiesThe United States and Cuba have re-established diplomatic relations, announcing the opening of embassies in each others' countries.

In making the announcement, the US president Barack Obama describe the move as a historic step and a new chapter for US-Cuba relations.

According to the Cuban Foreign ministry the flags will be raised over the respective embassies later this month, with US secretary of state John Kerry expected in the Cuban capital.

Indonesian president orders in-depth investigation to the military plane crashIndonesia's President has ordered an in-depth investigation of the crash of a C -130 military plane in Medan.

At least 142 people were killed in the crash including all 122 on board and another 20 on the ground.

The identification work is still under way.

The air force has grounded its remaining eight C-130Bs until investigators discover the cause of the crash.

Britain identifies 29 UK nationals killed in Tunisia beach attackThe number of identified Britons killed in the Tunisian beach attack has reached 29.

A Royal Air Force flight to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the attack has returned eight of the victims.

The remaining bodies will be flown back to Britain in the coming days.

Dozens of people, including foreign tourists, were killed last week when a gun man opened fire on a Tunisian beachside hotel in the popular resort of Sousse.

Biz reportsAnchorFirst, a quick check on the closing numbers across North America and Europe on this Thursday morning, here is our reporter Sophie Williams.

ReporterU.S. stocks continued to advance on Wednesday, as investors were encouraged by positive economic data while digesting the latest developments in Greece.

The Dow Jones jumped 0.8 percent.

The S&P 500 gained 0.7 percent.

The Nasdaq was up over half a percent.

On the economic front, the final read on first-quarter GDP in the United States decreased at an annual rate of 0.2 percent.

The U.S. Department of Commence said the number is in line with expectations and above a previous estimate of a 0.7 percent contraction.

U.S. private sector employment added 237,000 jobs from May to June, beating market expectations.

Over in Europe,The eurozone's Greece talks didn't come to an agreement late on Wednesday and therefore are set to restart later today.

According to media reports, international creditors rejected the Greek government's plan to end its financial crisis, but they have submitted counterproposals.

British benchmark FTSE 100 edged up slightly by 1.3 percent.

France's CAC 40 rebounded strongly by nearly 2 percent.

Lastly, Germany DAX rallied by 2.2 percent.

China to lower stock transaction fee, relaxing rules on margin tradingChina's stock watchdog on Wednesday amended previously strict rules on margin trading.

China Securities Regulatory Commission canceled the rules that require investors make additional guaranty in two trading days if the ratio of capital they borrowed from brokerages reaches the 130 percent of warning level.

The amendment also allows the two sides to decide through discussions instead of a compulsory sell-off.

Brokerages will be able to extend contracts with their clients as long as the maximum term is under 6 months.

Meanwhile, the country's two stock exchanges say they will lower stock transaction fees by around 30 percent starting from August 1.

The actions are taken amid growing concerns on a plunging stock market.

China's stocks continued a losing streak on Wednesday. Nearly 800 stocks on the mainland markets fell by the daily limit of 10 percent, led down by financials and shipping.

Bank of China among the first batch of companies to recognize mutual fundAnchorBank of China's Hong Kong arm is among the first batch of firms to apply for involvement in a new program, which allows the sale of funds registered in Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland to retail investors on each side.

The new scheme started operation on Wednesday.

Both BOC's Hong Kong Asset Management Limited and BOCI-Prudential Asset Management have sent applications to China's Security Regulatory Commission.

At the same time, over 10 mainland firms have handed in applications to the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong for approval.

An initial investment volume of 300-billion yuan has been set for the schemeRight now, around 100 funds in Hong Kong are qualified to apply for the scheme.

850 funds from the mainland currently meet requirements.

For more on this, we are now joined online with our financial commentator Cao Can.

Questions:

1) How lucrative is this scheme for investors from both mainland and Hong Kong to sell funds in each other's market?

2) Compared with Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connect, the mutual fund program has lowered the investment threshold. So will it be more attrative to investors than the Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connects?

3) Will the mutual fund program have a huge impact on the declining Chinese A share market?

Back AnchorThat is our financial commentator Cao CanChina's service sector activity shows sign of improvementNew stats show activity in China's service sector picked up in June.

The purchasing managers' index for the non-manufacturing sector came in at 53.8.

This is up from 53.2 in May.

Zhao Qinghe, a senior analyst from the National Bureau of Statistics, says rebounds in the real estate market and infrastructure projects are driving the service sector.

"The new orders index climbed up from below the expansion/contraction threshold, indicating a rise in the demands for the non-manufacturing sector. Overall, the non-manufacturing sector had a stable growth and expanded at a faster speed."The rise in non-manufacturing PMI marks the end of 3 consecutive months of drops in the numbers.

Non-Manufacturing PMI tracks the business activities of the service and construction sectors.

Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The manufacturing PMI came in at 50.2 in June, unchanged from the month before.

Foreign money pours into Shanghai FTZForeign investors have been flocking to the Shanghai Free Trade Zone as reforms in China's economic test bed keep gaining momentum.

Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce says FTZ has attracted foreign investment worth 23.5 billion U.S. dollars in the first five months this year.

The money was five times the amount registered in the same period last year.

Foreign investors set up businesses in the Shanghai FTZ as reforms have adapted regulations in trade and finance to international standardsThe commission says reform policies in engineering, tourism, and telecommunications have been particularly effective.

Bank of China lists Belt and Road bonds on Nasdaq DubaiThe Bank of China's Abu Dhabi branch listed a two billion yuan bond, or 320 million U.S. dollars, for the Belt and Road initiative on Nasdaq Dubai on Wednesday.

The two billion yuan issuance was part of bonds raised by the BOC last month.

Last week, the Bank said it had successfully raised the equivalent of 4 billion U.S. dollars from the international bond markets for the Belt and Road initiative.

This is the biggest amount of bonds issued at one time by the BOC abroad, in four currencies -- yuan, U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar and euro.

The bank said the money will support projects to boost infrastructure links between Asia and Europe.

SportsWimbledon day 3 recapAnchorIt is day three at Wimbledon. Let's catch up with the latest action with our reporter fu yu.

Reporter:

Thank you, Shane.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached the third round with a straight-sets victory against Finland's Jarkko Nieminen.

The world number one faltered at the beginning of the match but regained form and overcame Nieminen 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

Djokovic's opponent in the last 32 is Bernard Tomic from Australia. He says Tomic and other players from Australia are not to be taken lightly.

Bernard and Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are three young players from Australia that are under the radar of the world of tennis, especially the world of Australia. Everybody's relying on them and cheering them on so they can be fighting for the biggest trophies. They definitely do have the quality. I'm going to play against one of them, so let's hope I can play well."In other action from the second round,French Open champion Stan Wawrinka beat Victor Estrella Burgos 6-3, 6-4, 7-5,US Open winner Marin Cilic narrowly defeated Ricardas Berankis in five sets.

Also through are Grigor Dimitrov, Richard Gasquet and Kevin Anderson.

Fifth seed Kei Nishikori withdrew before the start of the second round due to a calf injury.

On the women's side,Top-ranked Serena Williams eased past Timea Babos in straight sets 6-4, 6-1.

Her sister Venus also made it through.

It was a shaky start for former champion Maria Sharapova.

"Yeah, I mean, I feel the match, my first-round match compared to today, different conditions. The court played a lot slower. We had a lot longer rallies. Didn't get a huge advantage off the serve, the return. Didn't serve my best today. Made a few too many unforced errors. Overall, once we got into the rallies, once I realised I needed to be a little more patient, then things started working a little better for me."She eventually overcame Richel Hogenkamp 6-3, 6-1 to advance.

The heaviest casualty of the day was seventh seed Ana Ivanovic, who was stopped by American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

In women's doubles,China's Xu Yifan is completely out of action after she and partner Tereza Smitkova were defeated by Katarina Srebotnik and Caroline Garcia.

And the cross-strait pair of Zheng Jie/Chan Yung-Jan is also out.

China out of U19 World ChampionshipIn basketball,China suffered its second successive loss and is out of the Under-19 World Championship.

It was beaten by Croatia 75-68 in the last 16.

Football: Robinho Close to Signing with Guangzhou EvergrandeFootball news from the Chinese Super League:

Robinho moved a step closer to signing for China's Guangzhou Evergrande after announcing his departure from Brazil's Santos on Tuesday.

The Brazil international winger, who rescinded his contract with AC Milan in May, had spent the past year on loan at Santos, scoring 17 goals in 41 matches.

A Brazilian news portal says Guangzhou offered Robinho a three-year contract with a monthly salary of one million euros.

His signing would represent a major coup for the Chinese outfit, which on Monday announced the arrival of Brazil international midfielder Paulinho from Tottenham Hotspur for 14 million euros.

Netherlands appoints Danny Blind as new coachThe Netherlands' national team has appointed Danny Blind as the new coach after Guus Hiddink's resignation.

Blind is reported to have signed a contract for three years.

The 53-year-old won 42 caps during his career as a defender and went on to manage Ajax afterward.

Blind had been Hiddink's assistant at the national team and wasn't expected to take over until after Euro 2016.

Rio resumes clean-up of Guanabara BayEco-boats have resumed the clean-up of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro which will host the sailing events of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Rio State had originally pledged to reduce pollution by 80 percent but confirmed in March that target could not be reached.

It is now concentrating on cleaning only parts of the bay where sailing competitions will take place.

President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach remains skeptical and concerned about the water quality.

Guanabara Bay will host the second test event for sailing next month.

IOC happy with Tokyo's Olympic budgetThe International Olympic Committee praised Japan for keeping the 2020 Games budget in check.

IOC's Tokyo coordination commission chairman John Coates hailed the Japanese organizers on the 1.7 billion US dollar cut on venue costs and the appointment of an Olympic minister.

Coates says Tokyo's budget compared favorably against previous Olympics.

Coates' remarks are thought to have been intended to gloss over a row between the national and Tokyo governments over the funding of the national stadium.

EntertainmentJackie Chan second highest paid actor in the worldChinese action star Jackie Chan is the second highest paid actor in the world according to Forbes' new highest paid celebrities list.

Chan pocketed $50 million in pre-tax earnings second only to US actor Robert Downey Jr who made $80 million.

His latest release Dragon Blade also starring Adrien Brody and John Cussack grossed $120 million. According to Forbes, it's likely Chan made more than $10 million from the film.

It's not just films where the star makes his money, he also owns a Segway dealership and a chain of cinemas. This year he launched his first ever film and television academy.

Forbes estimated that Chan had a net worth of $350 million.

Topping the Forbes list were boxers Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao due to their earnings from 'the fight of the century' in Las Vegas last month. While in third place was pop star Katy Perry mainly due to the earnings from her current world tour.

Hunger Games exhibition to tour the worldThe Hunger Games: The Exhibition has opened in New York City with plans to bring the exhibition to fans around the world.

Fans of the Hunger Games can step inside Panem and learn more about the world we've been watching on the big screen through costumes and props along with recreations of some of the sets.

Visitors can also see the costumes worn by Jennifer Lawrence including the Girl on Fire dress, Mockingjay dress and Mockingjay armour.

The exhibition will stay in New York for six months before moving to San Francisco. Further stops are yet to be announced however Lionsgate are hoping to bring The Hunger Games to audiences around the world.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is due to be released in cinemas on November 19.

30th anniversary celebrations of Back to the Future kicks offThe 30th anniversary of the release of Back to the Future was celebrated in Los Angeles on Tuesday with a screening of the movie accompanied by live music.

The event delivered a showing of the film at the Hollywood Bowl's big screen with composer Alan Silvestri's score performed live by the Los Angeles Philarmonic.

Among those in attendance was Christopher Lloyd whose scientist Doc Brown sends teenager Marty McFly played by Michael J Fox back 30 years to 1955. He said when filming, the pair automatically had chemistry.

"Michael and I had an automatic chemistry all the way through (the making of "Back to the Future"), "I never felt there was a moment when we weren't Marty and Doc. It just - that was constantly alive. And it was wonderful."The anniversary will be celebrated through Fall with insiders hinting there will be a flurry of activity around 21 October this year, the date in which Marty is sent in 'Back to the Future Part II'.

Lionel Richie heading for No1 on UK albums chartStar Lionel Richie is heading to number one in the UK charts as he benefits from a post Glastonbury sales boost.

Sales of the singer's greatest hits album have seen an increase in the wake of his Sunday afternoon headline spot.

The album titled The Definitive Collection has jumped 103 places in the UK albums chart. It includes hit songs such as All Night Long and Hello.

Lionel Richie was one of the highlights of the music festival drawing a crowd of around 100,000 people. The biggest of the weekend.

Last weekend, after Florence and the Machine's Friday headline slot, her latest album returned to the top spot in the album charts.

Katy Perry caught up in property dispute with nunsSinger Katy Perry has been caught up in a property dispute between a group of elderly nuns and the Los Angeles Archdiocese over who owns a hilltop convent overlooking Hollywood.

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary say the building is theirs and they've sold it to a local restaurateur Dana Hollister. However in a June 19 Lawsuit, the archdiocese claims it is responsible for selling the property and has planned a $14 million deal with another buyer who defendants say is Perry.

The archdiocese released a statement on Monday saying it has taken legal action to prevent Hollister from assuming control of the property claiming the sale was unauthorized.

Hollister's attorney Randy Snyder says the dispute has nothing to do with Perry but is a battle between the diocese and the nuns.

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

Recapping our top stories this morning...

The Chinese premier tells European leaders in Paris that development is still his country's top priority...

China and the European Union reach an agreement to simplify visa procedures for Chinese visitors to the EU...

The US and Cuba have formally announced the re-opening of embassies in each others' countries...

In Business...lower transaction fees for stock trading and relaxed margin-trading rules in China...

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