News Nov 17

News Bulletin

President Hu in Costa Rica for State Visit

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in San Jose Sunday for a state visit to Costa Rica. Hu says Costa Rica is an important country in Central America and also an important cooperation partner of China in the region. Since China and Costa Rica established diplomatic ties in June 2007, bilateral relations have developed rapidly and friendly cooperation has been expanded in various fields. Hu expressed his belief that his visit would fulfill the goal of deepening friendship, strengthening mutual trust, enhancing cooperation and seeking common development.

Chinese president calls for concerted efforts to tide over financial crisis

Chinese President Hu Jintao has called on the international community to make concerted efforts to tide over difficulties arising from the global financial crisis. He made the appeal while addressing a summit meeting of the group of twenty major developed and emerging economies on financial markets and the world economy in Washington. The Chinese President urged the international community to take steps to restore market confidence and stop the spread of the financial crisis，adding that steady and relatively fast growth in China is an important contribution to international financial stability.

China, Russia pledge to enhance coordination in face of financial crisis

The Chinese President met with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev. During the meeting Hu Jintao said China and Russia should enhance communication and cooperation in efforts to weather the financial crisis and maintain stability in their respective financial markets, which was agreed by Medvedev. The United States is the first leg of President Hu Jintao's five-nation tour, which will also take him to Costa Rica, Cuba, Peru and Greece.

World leaders vow to undertake coordinated action to tackle financial crisis

At the G20 summit, world leaders have agreed to undertake a coordinated action to tackle the ongoing global financial crisis and explore measures to prevent similar crisis in the future. In a declaration issued in Washington, the G20 leaders vowed to work together to restore global growth and achieve needed reforms in the world's financial system.

Mainland to assist Taiwan investors against financial crisis

The Chinese mainland will work out measures to support Taiwan investors and boost economic development across the Strait. Director of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office Wang Yi says the mainland will assist Taiwan enterprises to be involved in its infrastructure construction and provide financing to Taiwan enterprises. He also encourages Taiwan enterprises to invest in service and environmental-friendly industry in the mainland.

China urged to accelerate public services provision to fuel consumption

A United Nations-sponsored report says China should accelerate the equal provision of basic public services for all citizens. The "China Human Development Report" released Sunday says equalization of basic public services for urban and rural residents is an important condition for expanding domestic demand while reducing the dependence on material investment. Compiled by researchers of China Institute for Reform and Development and other think-tanks, the report says institution and policy reforms are essential for the equalization and improving of public services.

APEC 2008 Leaders' Week kicks off in Lima

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2008 Leaders' Week has kicked off in Peruvian capital Lima. The Leaders' Week started Sunday with the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting, to be followed by a series of high-level meetings and forums throughout the coming week. More than 100 delegates of the Asia-Pacific region attended the Concluding Senior Offcials Meeting, discussing topics such as global economic affairs, the support to Doha round negotiations, and APEC's Regional Economic Integration Agenda.

At least 10 killed in Iraq's Diyala car bombing

At least ten people were killed and 15 others injured in a car bomb attack in Iraq's Diyala province on Sunday. A provincial police source says a car bomb on a road in the town of Jalawla some 120 km northeast of Baghdad detonated near the convoy of Captain Ferhaad Rifa't, head of the town's major crimes office. Diyala province, which stretches from eastern Baghdad to the Iranian border, has long been stronghold for al- Qaida network.

Israeli leaders consider policy change amid Gaza violence

Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz has called for a personal targeted killing policy against the Hamas government, while Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vows to restore calm in the south of the Jewish state. Mofaz made the remark following renewed rocket attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, saying the current policy is too mild to yield the desired results. Olmert said on the same day Israel will continue to target those violating the truce. In response, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum said it is Israel who violated the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire time after time.

U.S. shuttle Endeavour docks with space station

The U.S. space shuttle Endeavour arrives at and docks with the International Space Station. According to NASA TV, there will be a crew member swap between the station and shuttle crews once the two unite. Then the crew will begin joint operations of "home improvements" inside and outside of the station with thousands of kilograms of new equipment brought by Endeavor. The size of the space station crew is expected to be doubled to six by spring 2009.

Sports News

Yao and McGrady Power Rockets off Hornets

Chinese superstar Yao Ming scored 21 points and Tracy McGrady added 18 as the host Rockets built a big lead and held on for a 91-82 victory over the Hornets on Saturday. Argentina's Luis Scola had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Houston, which moved back ahead of New Orleans into first place in the Southwest Division. The Rockets had surrendered the top spot with Friday's loss at San Antonio in which they blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Davis Wins 1,500m Race in World Cup

Shani Davis from U.S. surpassed Dutchmen Stefan Groothuis and Mark Tuitkert to win the 1,500-meter race at a World Cup meet in Heerenveen of Netherlands. The Olympic champion won in 1 minute, 45.23 seconds, beating Groothuis by 0.61 seconds. Tuitkert was third in 1:45.90. Finnish sprint specialist Pekka Koskela won the men's 500 in 34.88, ahead of Russia's Dmitry Lobkov and Yu Fengtong of China. World record-holder Jenny Wolf of Germany took the women's 500m in 37.60 seconds while Wang Beixing of China was second in 37.63.

IOC Sport Medicine Course Opens in Hong Kong

The International Olympic Committee Sport Medicine Course 2008 kicked off in Hong Kong on Saturday. The two day event with the theme of "Sport Nutrition" is organized by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and funded by the Olympic Solidarity. The event has invited a number of overseas and local sport medicine experts to deliver lectures for the course, which is aimed at providing practical and clinical scientific knowledge on sport nutrition for athletes, coaches or other related personnel in order to equip them with necessary awareness and vision.

Defending Champoins Guangdong Win CBA Opener

Defending champions Guangdong Dongguan Bank kicked off the journey for the fifth title in six seasons with an easy 107-92 victory over Fujian SBS in the first round of the Chinese Men's Basketball Association league on Sunday. Guard Zhu Fangyu came off from brilliant performances of the Beijing Olympic Games, having 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals in 30 minutes playing-time for the host team. Chris Porter had the game-high 31 points and 13 rebounds in 42:50 minutes while Matt Frejie added 24 points in 44:50 minutes for Fujian.

Entertainment News

'Moonlight' Highlights TVB Yearly Roundup

"Moonlight Resonance," a family drama produced by Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited, is the station's best drama of the year. The grand production, which became TVB's highest rated series ever following its premiere in July, scooped six awards including Best Drama at TVB's annual Anniversary Awards on Saturday. Awards for Best Actress and Actor went to Michelle Yim and Ha Yu, both "Moonlight Resonance" stars. The TVB Anniversary Awards, held every November, summarize the station's achievements of the year.

Feng Xiaogang's New Comedy Ready to Premiere

The man who inaugurated the concept of New Year film is ready to premiere this year's seasonal offering. Feng Xiaogang's latest comedy "If You Are the One" is set to premiere on December 22. According to news leaked from the crew, the romance between actress Shu Qi and funnyman Ge You will offer a clue to the film. Ge's real-life romance led to a similar story line in the film being edited out. Director Feng says the film is far more than a comedy. It's a film that seriously discusses love and marriage. After the success of "The Banquet" and "The Assembly," audiences eagerly anticipate Feng's latest production.

New 007 Film Scores Record Opening in N. America

The latest James Bond film " Quantum Of Solace" opened this weekend at the top of box office in North America with an estimated 70 million dollars over the three- day period, a record for the globally popular spy series, according to preliminary figures released Sunday. The 22nd film about Agent 007 of British's MI5 secret service, had the highest-grossing opening for a James Bond movie ever in the United States and Canada, with a take that is 73 percent larger than its predecessor "Casino Royale".

CCTV-MTV Awards Make Comeback

Two songs which respectively remind people of the strong earthquake in China and the Beijing Olympics were named Best Hits at the Ninth CCTV-MTV Music Awards, held Sunday in Beijing. "Sheng Si Bu Li", which was written shortly after the May 12 earthquake, expressed the unity of Chinese people, while the Olympic song "Welcome to Beijing" showcased Chinese people's hospitality to the world. The video of "Welcome to Beijing" was named Best Music Video. Jackie Chan, who lent voice to both songs, shared a special contribution award with "Welcome to Beijing" composer Xiao Ke.