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

The Beijing Hour

Evening Edition

Shane Bigham with you on this Saturday, February 20th, 2016...

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

Coming up on the program this evening...

Chinese authorities have announced the appointment of a new head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission...

The newly re-appointed head of the International Monetary Fund makes a statement on her confidence in the Chinese economy...

And European Union leaders have agreed to a reform package to keep Britain within the EU...

Our weekly Business roundup will be heard in the second half of the program...

In sports...a new organization will be set up this year to help the Chinese Football Association to regulate matches...

And in entertainment...Lang Lang records a new version of the Oscar-nominated score for The Hateful Eight...

All of that coming up in the next hour, but first, just a reminder there are several ways to reach out to us here on the Beijing Hour.

You can follow us on our weibo account at weibo.com/beijinghour.

We're also on WeChat. Type in "Beijing Hour" to find us.

Email us directly at [email protected].

You can also visit crienglish.com for the latest news and information from China Radio International.

Top News

Liu Shiyu replaces Xiao Gang as head of China's securities watchdog

Authorities announced that Liu Shiyu has been appointed as the head of China's Securities Regulatory Commission.

The decision was made by Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

Liu was previously the board chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China.

Xiao Gang, former head of CSRC, was removed from his post as head of the country's securities watchdog.

Lagarde confident about Chinese economy

Anchor:

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde has made a statement expressing confidence in the Chinese economy.

She made the remarks in Washington, D.C., after she was acclaimed for a second five year term as the head of the IMF.

CRI reporter Guo Yan has details.

Reporter:

Lagarde said the effort to transit the Chinese economy comes at a tough time, with declining oil prices and fluctuating global markets.

"You know, we clearly understand the multiple layered transitions through which the Chinese economy is going and will continue to go, if I am to read the various interviews that I have been given recently, and the conversation that I have had with Premier Li .And, those transitions are not going to be just a walk-in-the-park. There will be difficulties on the way, turbulences, and it will not necessarily be as--, as smooth as, as I said, as a walk-in-the-park."

The IMF chief stresses that China needs better policy communication with financial markets during its economic transition.

She praised recent clarifications about Chinese exchange rate policy by Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of China's central bank, as a good example of effective communications.

"So, what's critical is, number one, a good and solid communication.　This is something I have said before and that I think is--, is being heard.　I believe, in particular, that the interview by Governor Zhou, a few days ago was a good example of how communication can actually clear the uncertainties and the trepidation."

In a recent interview, Bank of China head Zhou Xiaochuan said there is no basis for the continued depreciation of the Chinese currency, and that "China would not let market sentiment be dominated by speculative forces."

According to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System, Zhou's comments helped ease the depreciation pressure on the yuan, with the currency rising about 0.84 percent against the U.S. dollar, capping the biggest weekly gain in almost a year.

Legarde says China needs to move forward with the major reforms it is planning.

She is confident that China will handle its economic structural reforms well.

"There are structural reforms, there are restructurings to be had in the Chinese economy, which the leaders know well about and are anticipating. You know, it's one of the largest economies in the world. And I think the sense of responsibility that I've always seen in the Chinese leadership should certainly make us understand that they themselves know what role they play in the global economy."

The IMF chief said she hoped China would move through its economic transition "at the right pace" for the sake of global financial stability.

Lagarde, the sole candidate nominated for the post of IMF chief, will officially start her second term on July 5.

The former French finance minister took over as the IMF head in 2011 following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn amid scandal.

For CRI this is Guo Yan.

5 ICBC employees appear in court after raid of ICBC Madrid offices by Spanish police

Five employees of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China appeared in a Spanish courtroom on Friday to answer charges of tax avoidance and money laundering in Madrid.

The employees were arrested late on Thursday after Spanish police raided the lender's Madrid office.

The operation is part of an investigation into alleged money laundering.

A sixth ICBC employee in Spain was arrested on Friday morning.

The raid is said to be connected with a major investigation known as Operation Snake, which has led to over 30 arrests in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia since May.

The bank has responded that it is cooperating fully with Spanish authorities.

ICBC is China's largest bank in terms of assets.

It says strictly implementing anti-money laundering regulations and strictly operating within the law have always been among ICBC's fundamental operational and management principles.

Ji Yihong, a Chinese lawyer based in Spain says the case may bring more harm for the bank in the long run.

"We should notice that the case has just begun. There will be a long trial process, which could last for three to five years. It might turn out in the end that ICBC is innocent, or that it had poor regulation, but no criminal activities. In this case, all this publicity has already done damage to ICBC, and to Chinese enterprises and the Chinese people."

The Chinese government is calling on Spanish authorities to conduct a "fair and just" investigation.

Chinese court grants 4th extension for review of 20-year-old rape, murder case

A court in Shandong Province has extended the review of a 2-decade-old rape and murder case to June this year.

This is the fourth time that the review period has been extended.

Nie Shubin, from Hebei Province, was convicted and executed in 1995 for the rape and murder of a woman in Shijiazhuang.

Ten years later, another man, Wang Shujin confessed to the crime.

This extension was granted after Nie's lawyer submitted new materials.

Growing evidence of Zika link to microcephaly: WHO

Anchor:

The World Health Organization says there is a growing number of evidence linking the Zika virus to microcephaly, a serious birth defect in infants, though it will take some time to prove the link categorically.

CRI's Min Rui has more.

Reporter:

WHO Assistant Director General Dr. Bruce Aylward, lead official on outbreaks and health emergencies, says the number of suspected Zika cases continues to rise in the Americas.

Brazil and French Polynesia have both reported a growing number of cases of microcephaly.

Aylward says although it is not yet known for certain that the Zika virus is the root cause, there is growing evidence that the virus is in some way tied to the disorders.

"That combination of the escalating increase in Zika cases, the gravity of the potential consequences of Zika infection, and the huge presence of the vector across the world is really what's driving the speed and aggressiveness with which we are moving forward."

According to the WHO, 36 countries have reported transmission of the mosquito-borne virus - 28 of them are in the Americas.

On the risk of cases spreading to other countries, Dr. Pedro Alonso, director of WHO's global malaria program, says the possibility of an outbreak depends on a range of factors in each country.

"How has the expansion of this epidemic taken place? By individuals being infected walking into places where there are potential transmitting mosquitoes, infecting the mosquitoes, and then getting the chain going forward. However, as Bruce said, that very much depends on local behavior, housing, air conditioning, all sorts of elements."

He says the mosquito is an important factor to the spread of the virus, but the significance of that role is still not entirely clear.

Since the outbreak, China has taken several steps to prevent the Zika virus from spreading here.

In the southern Guangdong Province, which is at the center of exchanges between China and South America, medical authorities have strengthened the monitoring of body temperature for inbound passengers at airports and major sea ports to prevent possible Zika virus epidemic.

World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan speaks highly of China's counter measures to make sure travelers returning from countries with Zika pose no risk to the home population.

"With so many people traveling around the world on a daily basis, I think countries are well advised to explain important cases. I was talking to the Minister Li Bing of China to discuss the measures that China has put in place, very robust, integrated measures, to make sure that any returning travelers would not pose a risk to the population. It is always wise to take precautions,"

She also noted that human-to-human transmission of the Zika virus has so far been rare.

As of Friday, China has confirmed three imported cases of Zika virus.

One of them has already left hospital.

Experts say the risk of spreading the virus in China right now is very low because of winter temperatures which limit the activity of mosquitoes in China at this time of year.

For CRI, I'm Min Rui.

Beijing hospitals introduce new measures to help patients preregister for appointment

Hospitals in Beijing have introduced a series of measures to better serve patients.

The move is expected to discourage scalpers who illegally sell pre-registration spots for profit, a problem faced by many hospitals in the capital city.

At the Beijing Tongren Hospital, administrators have removed registration limits for ophthalmology and some other services.

Zhang Luo is the deputy president of the hospital.

"No limit to general registration doesn't mean every patient can receive treatment as soon as they arrive at the hospital, because hospital resources are limited and the work intensity of the doctors must be controlled. So we set a peak number every day according to the doctors' clinical reception capabilities, and will schedule appointments for patients who are outside the decided number to make sure they can be registered the next day."

Meanwhile, the Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital has simplified the process for patients who have transferred there from other hospital for prenatal consultation.

These patients do not need to re-register, instead, they will be handled by their respective areas of care directly.

Fang Laiying is the head of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning.

"The measures introduced by these hospitals this time are not only aimed at striking scalpers. The ultimate goal is to promote a tiered healthcare system in Beijing. We will replace non-emergency registration windows with an appointment system in municipal hospitals before the end of 2016, which will be a major reform. The service will be provided through telephone and the internet, and we will also have staff members in the hospitals to help citizens make appointments."

The latest measures were introduced after mounting complaints about scalping of hospital outpatient bookings.

The problem was put in the spotlight earlier this year after a viral video clip showing a young girl weeping inconsolably, claiming hospital staff colluded with scalpers.

China unveils plans to boost traditional Chinese medicine

Anchor:

China has announced that basic traditional Chinese medicine services will be available to all Chinese citizens by 2020.

This national development strategy for TCM has been discussed at an executive meeting of the State Council.

CRI's Huang Yue has the story.

Reporter:

A traditional Chinese medicine service network will be established to help TCM departments across the country work together and pool resources.

Yu Wenming, deputy director of China's State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, says the industry support policy is expected to upgrade the TCM service level and bring healthcare convenience to patients.

"The comprehensive network will be based on traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, supported by TCM departments in general hospitals, primary medical institutions and clinics. The strengthened role of TCM services will bring more medical capacity to patients, which can help the system cope with the problems of high costs and doctor shortages."

Meanwhile, the plan also highlights that the pharmaceutical industry is encouraged to apply modern technology in researching traditional medicine, while hospitals and researchers are encouraged to use traditional therapies in treating complex chronic diseases.

Zhang Bin, an analyst for the TCM industry says the combination of Chinese traditional and western medicine will give a boost to TCM's development.

"The combination of Chinese traditional and Western medicine has complementary advantages. Western medicine has quicker effect for symptomatic relieves while the traditional Chinese medicine has special advantage in radical treatment, health preservation and dealing with complex diseases. The policy-makers have paid close attention to the importance of this combination."

In 2014, 530 million patients visited TCM hospitals, accounting for nearly 20 percent of total hospital visits across the country.

The average expense of TCM services is 10 to 20 percent lower than the treatment costs in general hospitals.

Yu Wenming says a two-phased plan has been made to ensure that TCM services have a bigger presence in people's healthcare.

"Basic TCM services are expected to be accessible to all Chinese citizens by 2020. The plan gives the first mention of providing 0.55 bed per thousand person in public TCM hospitals, and 0.4 TCM doctors per thousand person in all medical institutions. The services will reach a higher level and play a bigger role in ensuring people's health by 2030."

In China, the health authorities have set a guideline to provide 3.3 beds per thousand person in public general hospitals by 2020.

The plan also says that more traditional medicines will be added to the national list of essential drugs in China.

The TCM industry has seen a rapid growth in recent years.

China made 730 billion yuan, or some 110 billion U.S. dollars in the TCM industry in 2014. That represents one third of the total output of the country's medical industry.

Also, the number of traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in China has increased by 500 in five years.

Traditional Chinese medicine also has an international presence. Its reach has spread to 183 countries and regions worldwide.

Chinese pharmacist Tu Youyou's winning of the Nobel Prize for the discovery of artemisinin, a TCM-based drug widely used to fight malaria, has also served as a boom to the wider industry.

For CRI, this is Huang Yue.

Renowned Physicst Xie Jialin Dies at 96

Xie Jialin, a renowned Chinese expert on accelerator physics, died on Saturday at the age of 96.

He was one of the researchers who helped to build China's first high-energy electron linear particle accelerators.

He was awarded China's top science and technology award in 2012.

“Entrepreneurs gotta love what they do”: Chinese startup owner at NYFW

Anchor:

As part of the Chinese government's economic growth plan, young Chinese people are being encouraged to set up their own businesses under various government initiatives to promote entrepreneurship.

For some, it's an exciting opportunity to make the best use of their entrepreneurial spirit, in a fast moving digital age.

For others, it offers a vital alternative in an increasingly tight job market.

CRI's New York correspondent Su Yi spoke to the young Chinese owner of a startup. She's been displaying her products during New York Fashion Week, which has just come to an end.

Zhou Yingying is the founder of customized lingerie and personal care firm A-to-G.

Back Anchor:

Chinese fashion entrepreneur Zhou Yingying speaking to CRI's New York correspondent Su Yi at the now-concluded New York Fashion Week.

UK summit reaches reform deal on Britain's place in the European Union

Anchor:

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has managed to secure a reform deal on Britain's place in the European Union.

The successful negotiations in Brussels have paved the way for a referendum in the UK on whether to remain a member of the EU.

Europe correspondent Jack Parrock reports.

Reporter:

The UK Prime Minister left the meetings tired but triumphant. He's managed to get all the other 27 leaders to agree to a reform package on Britain's relationship with the EU.

David Cameron is the UK Prime Minister.

"Britain will be permanently out of an ever closer union, never part of a European super state. There will be tough new restrictions on access to our welfare system of EU migrants - no more something for nothing. Britain will never join the euro and we've secured vital protections for our economy."

Donald Tusk is the European Council president.

"We have just achieved a deal which strengthens Britain's special status in the European Union. It is a legally binding and irreversible decision by all 28 leaders."

What David Cameron will try to sell to the British public ahead of their referendum on the country's membership of the EU is the fact that he has managed to withdraw Britain from a commitment to an ever closer union within the bloc.

He's also scored a curb to in-work benefits to EU migrants claiming welfare in the UK as well as a mechanism to completely halt those payments for 7 years if the system is deemed to be overwhelmed.

The Prime Minister will now campaign to stay in the EU - which some analysts believe is essential for the global economy.

Alan Wheatley is the Founder of InFacts.

"The United States, Australia, Japan, China, just to take four have all said they want Britain to stay in the European Union. Why? Because they judge that a Britain in Europe has a stronger voice, has more influence on global affairs."

The UK has also managed to secure the ability to have more of a say in matters regarding the single currency euro which could have an effect on Britain's financial hub - the City of London.

The deal here in Brussels is now done but we'll have to see how it goes down back in the UK and whether it's enough to persuade the British public to vote to stay in the EU.

Jack Parrock, CRI, Brussels.

North Korea's Artillery Fire Heard in Frontline Island: Yonhap

Artillery fire, said to be from North Korea, has been heard near a South Korean island near the western maritime border.

No shells have landed in South Korea's territorial waters, and no additional fire has been reported.

Citizens on Baengnyeong Island who were evacuated from their homes following the artillery fire have since returned.

The South Korean military says that North Korean forces may have conducted firing drills near the inter-Korean sea boundary.

The South Korean military says it is closely monitoring the situation.

U.S. DOJ alleges marketing strategy behind Apple's refusal to unlock iPhone

The U.S. Department of Justice stated on Friday that it believes there is a marketing strategy behind Apple's refusal to help the FBI access the phone of a terrorist.

The DOJ filed has filed a motion in court to compel Apple to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters.

The confrontation has pitted privacy advocates, who do not want to give any ground to government efforts to undermine encryption, and law enforcement officials who say people's lives may be at stake unless the shooter's iPhone is unlocked.

Apple CEO Tim Cook called the order "an unprecedented step" threatening the security of Apple customers.

US prosecutors say Apple's current refusal to comply with the court's order "appears to be based on its concerns for its business model and public brand marketing strategy."

A federal court hearing in California has been scheduled for March 22.

Fiji braces itself for Cyclone Winston

Authorities in Fiji declared a state of natural disaster on Saturday as severe tropical cyclone Winston was forecast to pass between its two main populated islands overnight.

The declaration is effective for a period of 30 days.

Meanwhile, a nationwide curfew was imposed from 6 p.m. local time until further notice.

Fiji is home to about 900,000 people.

Many local residents have stocked water and cash.

"People are saying mainly to stock up on your water because most of the shops are closed, they've already stock up their stuff as well, there's big queues on the ATMs because locals are getting all the cash they can from the banks."

Many domestic and international flights have been cancelled.

Although no immediate casualties or damage have been reported, local police are monitoring the situation closely.

Power supplies to parts of Fiji including the capital have been cut as Winston, now a category 5 tropical cyclone - the highest possible level - sweeps through the Pacific island country.

Literature World Sees Losses of Two Renowned Writers

The world of literature is mourning the losses of two renowned writers, Italian Umberto Eco and American Harper Lee.

Best known for the international best-seller "The Name of the Rose," Eco passed away at the age of 84.

The cause of his death is unknown at this time.

"The Name of the Rose," a murder mystery set in the 14th century, was published in 1980 and caught on with readers worldwide.

His other books included "Foucault's Pendulum," "The Prague Cemetery," and "The Island of the Day Before."

Meanwhile, in New York City, shoppers at the Strand Bookstore have expressed their feelings over the death of Harper Lee.

Lee died peacefully in Alabama on Friday at the age of 89.

"She saw a slice of life, brought it to us. Part of her own upbringing and part of her way of looking at the world and what she saw from where she lived and when she lived and it touched us and enlightened us all."

"Obviously she has had a huge impact. I remember reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" with my mom and it's obviously one of our favorite films as well. It's a book that has had a huge impact on everyone in the country."

The novelist's child's-eye view of racial injustice in a small Southern town, "To Kill a Mockingbird," became standard reading for millions of young people.

Weather

Beijing will be cloudy tonight with a low of -5; more clouds tomorrow and a high of 6.

Shanghai, cloudy with a low of 3; same skies tomorrow with a high of 10.

Chongqing will be overcast with a low of 9; slight rain tomorrow, highs of 12.

Lhasa, clear tonight with a low of 2; sunny tomorrow with a high of 20.

Elsewhere in Asia,

Islamabad, sunny tomorrow with a high of 23.

Kabul, cloudy, 4.

Down in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney will see slight rain, highs of 25.

Brisbane, cloudy, 28.

Perth, overcast, 28.

And finally Auckland will have some clouds with a high of 26 degrees Celsius.

Headline News

Liu Shiyu replaces Xiao Gang as head of China's securities watchdog

Authorities announced that Liu Shiyu has been appointed as the head of China's Securities Regulatory Commission.

The decision was made by Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

Liu was previously the board chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China.

Xiao Gang, former head of CSRC, was removed from his post as head of the country's securities watchdog.

China opposes U.S. trade probe into Chinese tires

The Ministry of Commerce has responded to a recent trade probe by the United States.

The U.S. Department of Commerce launched an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation on Friday, involving truck and bus tires imported from China.

Chinese authorities have expressed concern about the investigation, calling it groundless.

Since 2007, they say the US has launched a number of trade investigations against Chinese tires, which have severely hindered the industry and its exports.

Beijing says the legitimate rights of Chinese tire makers should be protected according to the World Trade Organization rules.

China monitors potential infection after reporting 3rd Zika case

The entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau in Zhejiang Province is taking samples from 32 travelers, after the eastern province reported China's third Zika patient.

It was confirmed on Friday that a 38-year-old man, who had traveled to the city of Yiwu from Fiji and Samoa, had the virus.

None of the 32 people that traveled with the patient have developed any symptoms of the virus so far.

Modi holds talks with visiting Nepalese PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Sharma Oli in New Delhi on Saturday.

Sources say the two prime ministers discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the economic and political situation in Nepal.

The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding on energy, transport and transit cooperation.

The Nepalese premier arrived in India on Friday on a six-day visit to revive bilateral ties.

Relations between India and Nepal have soured in recent months due to the agitation by the Madhesi community in southern Nepal opposing a new constitution, saying it fails to address their concerns.

White House: Obama, Erdogan discuss Syrian situation in phone call

The White House has confirmed that US President Barack Obama has discussed the Syrian situation with his Turkish counterpart during a telephone conversation.

Obama is said to have called for a halt to actions that heighten tensions between Turkey and moderate opposition forces in northern Syria.

The president also said that the Kurdish People's Protection Units should not seek to exploit circumstances in this area to seize additional territory, while urging the Turkish side to show restraint also, by ceasing its artillery strikes in the region.

Weekly Biz Roundup (Saturday)

Anchor:

Time now for a look back at the major stories that have made business headlines in China, in our Weekly Business Review.

Apple Pay has been introduced in the Chinese marketplace, and sales figures for the Spring Festival holiday period have been released.

Here is CRI's Wenjie.

Reporter:

Apple Pay is now available on the Chinese mainland.

Several banks across the country have already launched support for Apple Pay, including Bank of China and China Construction Bank.

More than a dozen other lenders are expected to join up with Apple Pay in the coming days.

Apple Pay is now available after it struck a deal with China UnionPay, which dominates bank-card payments in China.

China is the world's fifth Apple Pay market behind the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Chinese authorities have decided to lower taxes on home purchases in most cities to help end the property glut.

The finance ministry announced on Friday that houses above 90 square meters will be levied a deed tax at 1.5 percent of the home's value, down from the current 2 percent, for first time buyers in all Chinese cities.

In terms of a second home purchase, tax rates will be cut to 1 or 2 percent depending on the size of the home, but the change excludes first-tier cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Previously the rate was 3 percent, regardless of floor space.

The new policy will take effect on Monday.

China's Commerce Ministry has denied speculation that rising imports from Hong Kong in January means a massive capital out flow from the country.

Spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry Shen Danyang says the increasing imports should be seen in a positive light.

"In January, imports by the Chinese mainland from Hong Kong increased 108 percent. It seems remarkable, but actually you will not be surprised if you take into consideration last year's figures for the same period, which was just 790 million U.S. dollars. The entire market of the mainland is so big and it's expanding import actively now, such as the import of gold and other consumer products, so the increase is substantial."

Mainland imports from Hong Kong more than doubled in January.

This has raised concerns that rising imports from Hong Kong in January are fresh evidence of a hidden money exit through trade channels as the yuan weakens.

However, Shen Danyang says there will be no drastic capital out flows as the fundamentals of the Chinese economy and the market remain sound.

Despite the economic slowdown China currently faces, the majority of foreign companies still remains confident in the Chinese market and has shown growing interest in investing in the country.

The American Chamber of Commerce in China has suggested in a recent survey that the business environment in China is getting tougher due to rising labor costs and regulatory challenges such as online controls and monopoly probes.

However, the report also shows China remains a top-three investment priority for 60 percent of the respondents and close to 70 percent of member firms remain positive about China's economic outlook in the next two years.

General Director of Japan's External Trade Organization's Beijing Office, Yoshihisa Tabata says Japanese investment to China is rising.

"China's economy is slowing down. But few Japanese firms feel that the fact has a negative effect on the Chinese market. They believe that an economic slowdown is normal under China's "New Normal". Many Japanese companies think that they should expand their businesses in China in the current economic climate."

Data released by China's Ministry of Commerce shows the amount of foreign capital investment reached over 126 billion U.S. dollars last year, up 6.4 percent year-on-year.

China's consumer prices rose for a third consecutive month in January, signaling easing deflationary pressure.

The CPI, a main gauge of inflation, grew 1.8 percent year on year in January, up from a rise of 1.6 percent in December.

The rise is mainly thanks to rising food prices, which account for one-third of the CPI calculation, edging up 4.1 percent year on year.

Meanwhile, China's producer prices continued to drop in January but the contraction eased notably, also signaling less deflationary pressure.

The PPI, which measures wholesale inflation, dropped 5.3 percent year on year in January, marked the 47th straight month of decline.

China's retail sales during the week-long Spring Festival holiday have grown over 11 percent from the same period last year.

Stats from the Ministry of Commerce show that retail sales and restaurant receipts totaled about 750 billion yuan or some 120 billion U.S. dollars.

At the same time, tourism revenue was also up 16 percent year on year, to nearly 370 billion yuan.

Official data shows that overseas travel became more popular with the number of outbound group tours hitting 8.6 million, up 3 percent.

Chinese outbound tourism to South Korea has gone up 18 percent and reached some 160 thousand trips during this Spring Festival period.

Most of these tourists say they traveled for shopping.

"I give it a 9 in terms of shopping. As to travelling experience, South Korea lags behind China a bit."

Major duty free shops saw a 10 percent increase on sales during this period, while sales in Seoul's shopping malls and supermarkets jumped some 70 percent.

Other popular destinations during this spring festival holiday include Japan, Thailand, China's Taiwan, and Australia.

China's production of new energy vehicles has surged by over 140 percent year on year last month, to 16 thousand units.

Xin Guobin, a vice minister at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, says the new energy vehicle industry has benefited from government support.

"At first, we just subsidized each vehicle. Then we gradually rolled out policies that cover research and design, tax reduction, market access and infrastructure. They have basically become a complete system to support the industry."

China is the world's largest market for new energy vehicles.

Leading automakers are now seeking to get bigger shares in the market, such as Volkswagen, who is looking to launch 15 new energy models in the next 5 years in China.

China's Okay Airways signed a commitment for 12 Boeing 737 jets on the Singapore Airshow on Wednesday.

The total deal is valued at 1.3 billion U.S. dollars at list prices.

The agreement is subject to the approval of the Chinese government and will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

Okay Airways, the first privately owned airline in China, is headquartered in Beijing with its main hub in Tianjin.

The airline serves more than 100 domestic and international routes.

And that wraps up this edition of the weekly business review. Thank you for listening. I'm Wenjie. See you next week.

Sports

New organization to be set up to regulate professional football matches of China

It's been reported that a new organization will be established this year to regulate professional football matches in China, along with the Chinese Football Association.

The new organization is said to be of equal status with the CFA.

It will help organize matches of the Chinese Super League and two secondary leagues.

Reports say the move is in line with the Overall Plan of Chinese Soccer Reform and Development issued last March by China's central reform group.

Golden State Warrior suffer their fifth loss this season to Trail Blazers

In the NBA,

Damian Lillard scored a career-high 51 points as the Portland Trail Blazers routed defending NBA champion Golden State 137-105 this morning.

Stephen Curry, one of the best long range shooters in the NBA, tallied 31 points in a losing effort.

With the loss, the Warriors fall to 48-5. All five of their losses have come against teams that are currently no better than two games over .500.

In the meantime, NBA legend Kobe Bryant's goodbye journey continues.

Kobe had 25 points but failed to bring the Lakers a victory in St Antonio this morning. The Lakers lost 119-113.

The Lakers lost all four matchups against St Antonio this season.

In some of other action,

Orlando Magic beat Dallas Mavericks 110-104 in OT;

Chicago Bulls beat Toronto Raptors 116-106

Oklahoma City Thunders lost to Indiana Pacers 101-98

Miami Heat beat Atlanta Hawks 115-111

Houston Rockets beat Phoenix Suns 116-100

Dominic Thiem, Rafael Nadal progress to the semi-final of the Rio Open

In tennis,

Austrian Dominic Thiem has continued his recent superb form to reach the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour 500 Rio Open after beating David Ferrer in straight sets on Friday.

Thiem - the fifth seed at the event - beat Rafael Nadal en route to a title win in Buenos Aires earlier this month, and continues to perform well on the South American clay courts.

He settled well after surrendering the first service break of the match, to seize four breaks of his own and produce a 6-3 6-2 win over second seed Ferrer in just 73 minutes.

"Today was one of my best matches I have ever played, for sure. And I am unbelievably happy that I could continue the round from Buenos Aires also here in Rio."

It was his second victory over a player ranked in the top ten in the world in as many weeks.

He will now face Guido Pella for a place in the final.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal progressed to the final four without setting foot on court after Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew from their quarter final match up because of injury.

He will take on Pablo Cuevas in the second semi-final.

FC Barcelona coach calls on his team to keep working in order to achieve titles

FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is calling on his players to keep working until the end of the season, with the aim to win another title.

The coach says the season has entered a crucial stage where mistakes can be expensive, not only for Barcelona but also Atletico and Real.

"We must continue competing in the same way we have done so far, neither the players nor the staff think it is a league that is yet closed, is very open, we will fail for sure, the teams in top positions, the three teams are going to keep competing from now to the end of the season and for sure all of us will fail at some point".

Barca has 60 points from 24 matches, six more than second-placed Atletico Madrid and seven ahead of Real Madrid.

Brazilian star Neymar is due to play in this year's Copa America and the Olympics, which Enrique says could be a problem for the team.

Barca will face lowly Las Palmas in the next match, but Enrique says it won't be an easy win.

American boat Plenty wins Rolex Farr 40 World Championships 2016

American boat Plenty won the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship title in Sydney, Australia on Friday.

For the past four days, twelve international crews have been racing for the coveted title.

In the final race, an error by Transfusion handed the title to Plenty, which remained consistent through four days of excellent regatta sailing.

Alex Roepers, owner of winning boat, expressed his excitement after winning the trophy.

"It's phenomenal, a dream come true, I mean we battled very, very hard last year, came up short and we battled very hard here and we just put it all together very consistently in both the pre-World's and the World's, but it was an incredible battle and huge credit to all our competitors and particularly Transfusion."

Teams representing Australia, Germany and the United States have been contesting the 19th edition of the competition sponsored by Rolex since 2001.

Soomin Lee produces move three shots clear at Maybank Championship in Malaysia.

South Korean Soomin Lee hit seven birdies on the day to move three strokes clear at the Maybank Championship after the third round on Saturday.

Lee produced a stunning sequence of birdies down the back nine to move to 15-under par, in just his second European Tour event.

The 22-year-old world number 221 will be hopeful of holding off the challenge of two Australians in the final round on Sunday.

Marcus Fraser produced a very solid round of five-under par 66 to stay in contention in second place.

Entertainment

Pianist Lang Lang Records New Rendition for "The Hateful Eight"

World-renowned concert pianist Lang Lang has recorded a new rendition of the Oscar-nominated score for "The Hateful Eight."

A video of Lang Lang performing it at Beijing's Rosewood Hotel has also been released.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move is to further warm up for the upcoming Academy Awards next Sunday.

The Hateful Eight marks the first time that director Quentin Tarantino has used an original score in one of his movies.

And the composer, Ennio Morricone, who has written music for such classics as "A Fistful of Dollars" and "The Untouchables," has also been nominated this year for the best original score Oscar and has already nabbed Golden Globe and BAFTA prizes in similar categories.

Lang, who has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, has also recorded some music from the hit Chinese martial arts film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: the Green Destiny."

"Left Behind" to Hit Chinese Big Screens Next Friday

Nicolas Cage's Sci-Fi thriller "Left Behind" is scheduled to hit Chinese theaters next Friday.

Adapted from a bestselling novel with the same name, the movie depicts a small group of survivors who got left behind after millions of people suddenly vanish and the world is plunged into chaos and destruction.

The book series has sold more than 65 million copies and is one of the best-selling fiction series of all time in the United States.

In an interview with The Daily Buzz, Cage introduces the character in the movie, from his own point of view.

"He's an important guy. But he's been sort of swept away by attraction, kind of losses track of where he's at, until this crises happens. Until literally in the movie people begin vanishing. And through all that, he gets back to the truth of what's genuinely important to him, which is the family. And that is the heart of the movie for me. It's about owing our mistakes and getting back to what is genuinely valuable. And I think people can respond to that."

It has been confirmed that a second installment of "Left Behind" is also scheduled to release.

The second picture is set to pick up where the first one left off after the day of the Rapture.

If the production work can be finished as planned, the movie will meet audiences as early as this summer.

"United States of Love" Premieres at the Berlin Film Festival

Polish director Tomasz Wasilewski premiered his new movie, "United States of Love," at the Berlin Film Festival Friday afternoon.

The film centers on several women who feel emotionally trapped in provincial Poland in the 1990s.

While the film is set in Poland and stars Polish actors, it does have an international appeal.

After screening in Berlin, it's been sold to distributors in various countries and regions, including Taiwan, Sweden, Portugal and South Korea.

And that is clearly some really good news to the director, Wasilewski.

"Yes, it's very important. The audience, for me, in cinema, in television, are the most important. I make films for them, they're my heart. So, I'm so, so happy that people all around the world will be able to see my movie."

Also on the red carpet, lead actress Julia Kijowska, who plays a married woman who falls in love with a young priest. She says it was the director's unique storytelling method that drew her to the role.

"This is a very interesting way of telling the story from that period. It's a big difference. I have a feeling (telling it) through the women, that's pretty new, and it's not really about politics. It's about human beings, generally. So it was very interesting from the beginning and Tomasz is a really really talented guy."

"United States of Love" is screening in competition at the Berlin Film Festival.

18 films, including the Chinese movie "Crosscurrent," are now competing for the Golden and Silver Bears awards.

The winner will be announced at the end of the event tomorrow.

Thriller Drama "Colonia" Releases New Trailer

Emma Watson's new thriller drama "Colonia" has released its first official trailer in North America.

An international poster featuring the main actors was released online today as well.

Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" films, Watson stars as Lena, a Lufthansa flight attendant joining the group of General Augusto Pinochet to find her captured German boyfriend.

The movie is set to hit theaters in the United States on April 15th.

Weather

Beijing will be cloudy tonight with a low of -5; more clouds tomorrow and a high of 6.

Shanghai, cloudy with a low of 3; same skies tomorrow with a high of 10.

Chongqing will be overcast with a low of 9; slight rain tomorrow, highs of 12.

Lhasa, clear tonight with a low of 2; sunny tomorrow with a high of 20.

Elsewhere in Asia,

Islamabad, sunny tomorrow with a high of 23.

Kabul, cloudy, 4.

Down in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney will see slight rain, highs of 25.

Brisbane, cloudy, 28.

Perth, overcast, 28.

And finally Auckland will have some clouds with a high of 26 degrees Celsius.

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

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

Chinese authorities have announced the appointment of a new head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission...

On behalf of the Beijing Hour team, it’s Shane Bigham in Beijing. Tune into the next edition of the Beijing Hour. Let's open a window to the world together..