新闻纵贯线 The Beijing Hour updated 08:00 2013/06/27

 Paul James with you on this Thursday, June 27th, 2013.

Welcome to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
Coming up on our program this morning...
The Chinese government is offering up help to the families of the Chinese citizens murdered this week in Papua New Guinea.
South Korea's President is due to begin her first official visit here to China since taking office.
Kevin Rudd is due to be sworn in today as Australia's new Prime Minister.
In Business, China's top leadership has issued a new statement to try to steady the markets.
In sports... some major upsets from Wednesday's draw at Wimbledon.
In entertainment.... Michael Jackson's son has offered up testimony at the wrongful death suit for his father.
First, let's check on what's happening on the weather front...
 
 
Weather
 
 
Beijing will be cloudy today, with a high of 34 degree Celsius in the daytime, and it will be cloudy tonight with a low of 22.
In Shanghai, it will see heavy rain today, 25 the high, and it will see slight rain tonight, the low of 22 degrees Celsius.
Lhasa will be overcast in the daytime the temperature's at 21, and tonight will have showers with a low of 11 degree Celsius.
Elsewhere in the world, staying in Asia
Islamabad, sunny, 41.
Kabul, sunny, with a high of 36.
And in North America
New York, thundershowers, with a high of 31 degrees.
Washington, thundershowers, highs of 32
Houston, overcast, 34.
Honolulu, overcast, 29.
Toronto, overcast, 28.
Finally, on to South America,
Buenos Aires, sunny, 16.
and Rio de Janeiro will be sunny with highs of 28 degrees Celsius.
 
 
Top News
 
 
China to assist relatives of stabbing victims in Papua New Guinea
 
The Chinese government is offering its help to the relatives of the Chinese nationals stabbed to death in Papua New Guinea.
4 Chinese citizens were killed in an attack in a bread shop in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.
"The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea has attached great importance to the incident and immediately launched an emergency mechanism to deal with the incident. The Chinese ambassador has called an emergency meeting with senior officials of the country, asked police to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice as soon as possible and take measures to guarantee the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens."
The victims, 3 men and a woman, are all from Shanghai.
It's being reported one of them was beheaded by the attackers.
The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea has sent officials to assist local police in their investigation.
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is condemning the attack as "brutal and cowardly".
Chinese diplomats in the country say the murders are purely a "criminal case".
The city of Port Moresby has long been plagued by violence.
 
 
Militants who attacked foreign mountaineers' camp in Pakistan identified
 
Authorities in Pakistan say they've managed to identify the individuals behind the systematic murder of 10 foreigners, including a pair of Chinese nationals, earlier this week.
The group was gunned down while on a mountaineering trip in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir overnight on Monday.
Pakistani authorities say a group of 15 or 16 militants were involved in the attack.
They believe the attackers have split up into groups, but remain in the mountain region near where the deadly attack took place.
The militants, said to be allied with the Pakistani-Taliban, abducted a local guide, then forced him to take them to the camp where the foreign mountaineers were staying.
Among the dead is a veteran Chinese mountaineer.
One Chinese national managed to escape and survived the deadly assault.
 
 
Korean Peninsula situation to be discussed during ROK president's China visit
 
The Chinese government says the situation on the Korean Peninsula is likely going to be one of the main talking points during South Korean President Park Geun-hye's upcoming visit here to China.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.
"Following tension on the Korean Peninsula in recent years, there have been some positive moves toward alleviation on the peninsula thanks to joint efforts by all sides involved. all sides will cherish the hard-won opportunity to improve ties and increase mutual trust through dialogues and contacts. The six-party talks are still an important platform to help achieve denuclearization and address the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula."
Park is due to begin her first state visit here to China today.
She's due to hold talks with leading Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
Park's visit follows last week's talks between South Korea's top nuclear envoy and China's special representative for Korean Peninsula affairs, Wu Dawei.
Those talks involved the possibility of resuming the long-stalled 6-party nuclear talks.
Those negotiations, which involve North and South Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Russia, began in 2003 but stalled in 2008.
North Korea backed out of the talks in 2009 in protest against the international condemnation of its long-range missile tests.
 
 
Chinese response to Japan's latest defense white paper
 
The Chinese government has issued a response to Japan's latest defense analysis.
A new Japanese Defense White Paper says its self-defense forces are planning to take part in more joint exercises to better prepare for potential conflicts near the Diaoyu Islands.
The Chinese side has responded, saying it's going to be keeping a close eye on how Japan moves forward.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.
"Due to historical reasons, Japan's neighbors are watching closely the direction it's taking on military security. In recent year, Japan has been hyping the 'China threat theory', creating tensions and conflicts. Some Japanese politicians have been using this to promote the idea of strengthening national defense, and taking part in joint drills. All this are causing anxiety in the international community."
Japan's latest Defense White Paper also points to an increase in China's defense budget.
It also raises questions about the transparency of China's military.
The Chinese side says this country's military is not a threat to other countries, and only serves to protect Chinese sovereignty.
 
 
Q&A Australia's former leader Rudd wins Labor caucus ballot
 
Anchor:
Kevin Rudd is once-again set to become Australia's Prime Minsiter.
Rudd has ousted Prime Minister Julia Gillard in a leadership vote in the ruling Labor party.
"In recent years politics has failed the Australian people, there's just been too much negativity all round, there's been an erosion of trust, negative, destructive personal politics has done much to bring to dishonour to our parliament, but done nothing to address the urgent challenges facing our nation, our communities, our families. In fact it's been holding our country back and all this must stop, and with all my heart that is the purpose I intend to pursue through the office of prime minister."
For her part, Julia Gillard has confirmed she's not going to run for re-election.
Rudd is expected to face an opposition confidence vote in parliament.
Rudd's return comes almost three years after he was dumped in favor of Gillard, who became Australia's first female prime minister.
Rudd takes over a Labor Party which is expected to be hit with a resounding defeat in the forthcoming elections in September.
Opinion polls suggest Tony Abbott's opposition coalition is currently on course for a convincing win.
For more on the leadership vote, CRI's Rebecca Hume earlier spoke with Joanna Heath, Canberra correspondent with the Australia Financial Review.
(Joanna Heath)
Joanna Heath, Canberra correspondent with the Australia Financial Review, speaking with CRI's Rebecca Hume.
 
 
U.S urges Russia to turn Edward Snowden over
 
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is calling on Moscow to turn NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden over.
Hagel says the intelligence leaked by the former NSA contractor are a serious breach that has damaged US national security.
"I would hope that the Russians do the right thing here and turn Snowden over to the United States. As to the damage done to this country, I've said, General (Martin) Dempsey's said, others, yes there was damage done to this country by the Snowden leaks and we're assessing that now bt, make no mistake, this violation of our laws was a security breach in our national security apparatus."
Russian President Vladimir Putin is on record saying the Russian government will not extrodite Snowden, who is still reportedly staying inside the international transit zone at Moscow's main airport.
The 29-year old has been there since Sunday after flying to Moscow from Hong Kong.
It's widely believed he's trying to gain transit to Ecuador.
However, Ecuador's foreign minister says it could take his government months to decide whether to grant asylum to Snowden.
Ricardo Patino notes it took his government quite some time to finally decide to provide sanctuary to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
"It took us two months to make a decision in the case of Assange, so don't expect us to make a decision sooner this time."
Assange is holed up at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
If Snowden is extradited to the United States, he is facing charges which could see him put behind bars for upto 30-years.
 
 
Stranded men rescued in Indian floods
 
Indian paramilitary troops have rescued a group of men stranded by flooding in the north of the country.
The group of religous enthusiats became cut-off amid the heavy rains that have been pounding northern India this past week.
Flooding triggered by the heaviest pre-monsoon rains in some 60 years has killed at least 820 people so far.
Officials fear the death toll could rise into the thousands.
Major roads, bridges and vast tracts of farmland have also been destroyed.
Heavy rains over the last two days have been slowing down the rescue efforts.
20 people were also killed Tuesday when the rescue helicopter they were in crashed.
Despite this, Amit Prasad with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force says the rescue work is continuing.
"Our team in Gaurikund started early in the morning and in the team there are three gazetted officers. Our gazetted officers on the scene are leading the operation which displays their high morale. Because whenever our soldier or the NDRF's or the air force personnel pass away in such a tragic manner, all of us come together and there is no question of morale going down."
Close to 100-thousand people have been evacuated so far via both land and air.
Many of those stranded are pilgrims who have been visiting the region for its sacred Hindu temples and shrines.
 
 
Egyptian president calls for forming commission to amend constitution
 
Egypt's President is calling for the formation of an independent commission to ammend the country's constitution.
In a televised address, Mohamed Morsi says he wants to see all political forces and parties involved in the process.
He's also calling for the formation of commission to deal with national reconciliation.
The call comes just days ahead of planned mass-demonstrations against his rule.
Sunday's planned demonstrations will coincide with the one-year anniversary of him taking office.
Morsi has tapped his interior minister to set up specialized units to deal with any violence stemming from the planned demonstrations.
In a move to try to placate the demonstrators, Morsi has ordered all his ministers to appoint deputies under the age of 40.
 
 
Two killed, over 230 injured in clashes in Egypt's Delta city
 
At least 2 people are dead and over 200 others hurt, after political fighting broke out in an Egyptian city on Wednesday.
The fighting has taken place in the city of Mansoura in the Nile River Delta region.
Supporters of President Mohamed Morsi, taking part in a march, became caught up in clashes with his opponents.
It's believed the two people killed are Morsi supporters.
Similar clashes have also taken place in the nearby city of Tanta on Wednesday, leaving around 80 people hurt.
The demonstrations are a precursor to Sunday's planned mass protests.
 
 
U.S. Supreme Court rulings expand homosexuals' right to marry
 
The US Supreme Court has issued a pair of rulings which should expand gay marriage rights.
The top court in the United States has shot down the Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA.
DOMA - signed into law by former US President Bill Clinton - banned same-sex couples from recieving federal benefits if they're legally married.
Gay marriage is already legal in over a dozen US states, but has never been sanctified on a federal level in the United States.
At the same time, the US Supreme Court has also declined to issue a ruling on a challenge to a restriction on gay marriage in the state of California.
The top court has decided the group supporting the ban on gay marriage in the state doesn't have the legal grounds to defend so-called Proposition 8.
As such, it's kicked the issue back down to the lower courts, with instructions for the lower courts to dismiss the defense of Propsition 8.
This will open the door for gay marriage to be legaized in California.
 
 
Success of China's Shenzhou-10 mission ushers in another phase of space program
 
Anchor
Leading Chinese officials are hailing the success of this country's latest successful mission to space.
CRI's Su Yi has more on the Shenzhou-10 mission.
Reporter
The re-entry capsule of Shenzhou-10 landed safely in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Wednesday morning.
All three astronauts were in good physical condition.
"It is my second manned space mission. I'm very familiar with the place we have landed. It feels really good to be home again. I just want wish our country and the people prosperity. "
"I am very excited right now. Thanks everyone who have concerned and supported us."
"The space mission has fulfilled my dreams, one is traveling in space and another is to be a teacher. And this time I got to teach from the space. I wish all young people have their own dreams, those who have dreams will succeed."
While in orbit, the three astronauts completed two docking tests with the Tiangong-1 experimental space lab.
The astronauts also gave a special lecture to students on earth for the first time in China's space exploration.
Meantime, the Tiangong-1 space lab has been officially retired now.
It was first put into orbit in 2011, and has hosted to a total of 6-Chinese astronauts.
Originally developed as a training platform for the eventual-Chinese space station, it's now being put into a higher orbit.
Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli says the mission is a milestone.
"The success of the Shenzhou-10, Tiangong-1 mission indicates the perfection our space docking and rendezvous techniques. It marks a milestone success of the second phase of our manned space program."
Chinese aerospace officials say China is planning to launch Tiangong-2 space lab around 2015.
They say the core module of a space station will be put in orbit by 2018, before the completion of the space station by 2020.
For CRI, I'm Su Yi.
 
 
Biz Reports
 
 
Anchor
First off, a check on the stock market of North America and Europe.
Join me on the desk, CRI's Zhang Shuangfeng.
Reporter
U.S. stocks rallied for a second day on Wednesday, on reduced concern that the Federal Reserve will begin to withdraw its stimulus.
Dow and the S&P 500 hit a series of record closing highs, with the healthcare and utilities sectors leading the way.
The rally followed data showing unexpected cut of the first quarter GDP, easing worries that the Federal Reserve may wind down its stimulus soon.
When the markets closed,
The Dow rallied 1 percent,
the S&P 500 surged 0.9 percent,
and the Nasdaq added 0.8 percent.
Meanwhile, Canada's S&P/TSX dropped 0.4 percent.
Over the Europe,
Shares recorded their biggest two-day gain since April as the European Central Bank says the accommodative monetary policy will stay.
Germany's DAX gained 1.6 percent.
France's CAC 40 rose 2 percent
and Britain's FTSE 100 added 1 percent.
 
 
Chinese shares closed mixed despite PBOC pledge
 
Chinese shares closed mixed yesterday, despite the People's Bank of China promise to increase liquidity for selected financial institutions.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.4 percent.
The Shenzhen Component increased 0.9 percent.
Fears of a credit crunch continued to fuel the sell-off of smaller bank shares.
China's smaller banks are more dependent on short-term interbank funding.
Ping An Bank and China Minsheng Bank, which were among the worst hit on Monday, ended down 2.2 percent and 1.6 percent respectively.
Meanwhile, the IT sector led Wednesday's gainers by rising 5.2 percent, with more than 10 stocks hitting the daily cap of 10 percent.
Analysts are suggesting companies with high-growth potential, which are less susceptible to the impact of economic cycles, are being less hit by the panic selling.
 
 
China vows policy continuity to steady market expectations
 
The State Council has issued a new statement, saying its current economic policies will be maintained.
The statement is meant to try to stabilize market expectations.
The cabinet says China's economic condition is generally stable this year.
At the same time, it says the government will be moving forward with plans that can balance the need for short-term and structural adjustments, while at the same time, keeping an eye on the longer-term.
The government is also promising to make more credit available for sectors that have the potential to create more growth.
 
 
Live call-in housing prices and real estate market
 
Anchor
It's being reported it's becoming more difficult for homebuyers here in China to apply for public housing mortgages.
The process for bank approvals is now said to be open-ended.
Previously it used to take one to two weeks to secure a mortgage.
Right now only 4 commercial banks in Beijing are still offering discounts on benchmark mortgage rates for first-time home buyers.
Analysts are suggesting small and medium-sized property developers might be getting ready to cut their housing prices later this year because of a shortage of working capital.
For more on this situation, we are now joined on the line with Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
Questions
1. Why has the mortgage application process been prolonged? Is this related to the current tight liquidity conditions? Do you expect any decrease in property transactions?
2. How developers are affected amid the recent tight liquidity conditions? What are the challenges?
3. There had been a lot of discussion around the housing prices in China. It had been said the housing prices in China had outpaced its GDP growth, suggesting there is a housing bubble in the real estate market. Do you expect any correction for the housing prices here in China?
Cao Can, CRI's Financial Commentator.
 
 
Standard Chartered brushes off China fear
 
Standard Chartered is downplaying concerns about the potential effects of a Chinese slowdown.
The bank says it is on track to meet its full-year operating profit forecast of about 8 million US dollars.
However, Standard Chartered does admit it might miss its usual target of 10 percent profit and revenue growth.
Standard Chartered says its revenue for the first half of this year is expected to rise by about 5 percent.
Standard Chartered makes about four-fifths of its earnings in Asia and the Middle East.
 
 
Citigroup and HSBC to sell mutual funds in China
 
China's securities regulator has granted licenses to Citigroup and HSBC to sell mutual funds here in China.
Both banks will now be able to offer products designed by local fund managers to both retail and corporate clients.
Citigroup says its license will allow its clients access to China's A-share market.
Under the old rules, foreign banks were only allowed to sell overseas funds or domestic wealth products that they themselves created.
A number of other overseas banks have also reportedly filed for similar licenses.
Set up more than a decade ago, China's mutual fund industry has assets totaling 3.9-trillion yuan.
 
 
U.S. first quarter economic growth cut to 1.8 percent
 
The United States' first quarter economic growth rate has been revised down significantly.
The revised stats show the US economy only grew 1.8-percent in the first 3-months.
This is down from the previous estimate of 2.4 percent.
The U.S. Commerce Department says weak business investment, a slowdown in consumer spending and falling exports have led to the downward revision.
Real exports of goods and services decreased 1.1 percent in the first quarter.
Imports dropped 0.4 percent.
"The Street" had been expecting the actual growth rate to remain unchanged at 2.4 percent.
This has led to market speculation this may alter Federal Reserve's plan to slow down its 85 billion dollar-a-month bond purchase program.
 
 
EU finance ministers meet in Brussels for banking reforms
 
European finance ministers have gathered in Brussels in a new attempt to share out the cost of future bank failures.
The latest round of talks comes after all-night negotiations in Luxembourg last weekend broke down over a difference-of-opinion between France and Germany.
The two countries are split over how much leeway governments should have on how shareholders with more than 100-thousand euros in any given bank should share the burden of the collapse of the institution.
French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici.
"We achieved a 90 percent agreement last Friday, we have to finish today. I'd add we were mandated by the European Council in December 2012, which was confirmed by the joint letter by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande and we have to get there. It's fundamental for Europe."
The French side arguest the new EU rules should allow countries more leeway to decide how banks' creditors are dealt with.
Germany is pushing for stricter rules.
This current meeting is also expected to discuss the completion of the EU's economic and monetary union.
 
 
Sprint shareholders approve Softbank takeover deal
 
Sprint shareholders have overwhelmingly approved SoftBank's plan take a controlling stake in the US mobile carrier.
The deal is worth 21 billion dollars.
It will see the Japan-based wireless firm take a 78-percent stake in Sprint.
It's being reported Softbank increased its offer to Sprint shareholders in its revised bid.
The deal is the largest overseas acquisition by a Japanese film.
It will make Softbank one of the world's largest mobile operators.
The merger's completion still has to be approved by the US Federal Communications Commission.
It's also being reported Softbank has had to promise not to use any Huawei products in its Sprint network devices.
 
 
Headline News
 
 
Militants who attacked foreign mountaineers' camp in Pakistan identified
 
Authorities in Pakistan say they've managed to identify the individuals behind the systematic murder of 10 foreigners, including a pair of Chinese nationals, earlier this week.
The group was gunned down while on a mountaineering trip in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir overnight on Monday.
Pakistani authorities say a group of 15 or 16 militants were involved in the attack.
They believe the attackers have split up into groups, but remain in the mountain region near where the deadly attack took place.
 
 
China vows policy continuity to steady market expectations
 
The State Council has issued a new statement, saying its current economic policies will be maintained.
The statement is meant to try to stabilize market expectations.
The cabinet says China's economic condition is generally stable this year.
At the same time, it says the government will be moving forward with plans that can balance the need for short-term and structural adjustments, while at the same time, keeping an eye on the longer-term.
The government is also promising to make more credit available for sectors that have the potential to create more growth.
 
 
China's top legislature opens bi-monthly session, considers harsher legislation against polluters
 
The latest session of the National People's Congress is underway.
The bi-monthly meeting of the top legislature is discussing a series of new amendments, including a draft connected to environmental protection.
The draft includes stronger punishments for polluters.
As part of the new legislation, companies and organizations that intentionally evade supervision or knowingly pollute will face prosecution.
A new amendment has also been added to protect the public's right to obtain environmental information.
 
 
Mongolian incumbent president Tsakhia Elbegdorj wins another term in office
 
Preliminary results are suggesting Mongolia's incumbent President has won re-election.
Tsakhia Elbegdorj has reportedly managed to garner over 50-percent of the vote.
He was up against a pair of opponents, including his current Health Minister.
Elbegdorj has been in office since 2009.
During his tenure, the Mongolian economy has become one of the 5-fastest growing economies in the world, registering 17-percent GDP growth since 2011.
 
 
Obama kicks off visit to Africa
 
US President Barack Obama has begun a 3-nation tour of Africa.
Obama is due to visit Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa.
The trip is being viewed as his administration's attempt to become more engaged in African affairs.
It's unclear if Obama's time in South Africa will be affected by the declining health of former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Economics and counter-terrorism are expected to be high on Obama's African agenda.
 
 
Newspaper Picks
 
 
CHINA DAILY
Headline
Sexual assault prevention education is necessary
Summary
Sexual assault prevention education is likely to become compulsory in schools in the city of Guangzhou in coming months.
As part of the new rules, children under the age of 10 will also not be allowed to stay home alone in city.
This comes amid the string of sexual assault cases involving students which are being reported throughout the country.
SHANGHAI DAILY
Headline
Corrupt Police chief captured
Summary
A district police chief in Sichuan's capital Chengdu, who is being investigated for corruption, has been caught.
Authorities say he was planning to flee the country with vast sums of money.
The police chief reportedly has links with other officials who are also being investigated for corruption.
GLOBAL TIMES
Headline
Government toughens meth penalties
Summary
The central government is tighening up the rules around ephedra.
Ephedra is the naturally-grown source of the drug ephedrine.
Ephedrine is the main ingredient in Methamphetamnies.
Those who harvest or purchase ephedra to make drugs will be charged with drug-related crimes.
BEIJING NEWS
Headline
China mulls elevator safety law
Summary
Under a new set of draft rules, those in charge of maintaining elevators will have to be qualified and strictly observe technical standards.
This comes amid increase concern about elevator safety, following a number of elevator-related accidents, some of which have been fatal.
YANZHAO METROPOLITAN DAILY
Headline
H7N9 kills 16th in Shanghai
Summary
A 56-year-old man has succombed to the new form of the Bird Flu.
The vicitm came down with the deadly flu weeks ago.
Authorities in Shanghai ended their emergency response to the new Bird Flu on May 9th, after no new cases were reported for 20-days in a row.
BEIJING MORNING POST
Headline
Online privacy campaign to be launched
Summary
The Chinese government is launching a campaign to prevent online breaches of privacy and information leaks.
The campaign will focus on blogs and microblogs that are set up in other people's names.
Leaks of people's personal addresses and their identities, secretly recorded audio or video content and slanderous statements are also the targets of the campaign.
BEIJING TIMES
Headline
Looted relics returned
Summary
Two Chinese cultural relics have been repatriated.
The bronze sculptures of a rabbit head and a rat's head will be put on display at the National Museum.
The two sculptures are part of a collection of 12 which were looted from the Old Summer Palace during its seisure by French and British forces in the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion in the late 1800's.
So far 5 pieces of the collection have found their way back to China.
 
 
Special Reports
 
 
International Day Against Drug Abuse
 
Anchor
This year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has come and gone, with the Chinese government unveiling some striking statistics about the use of illegal drugs in this country.
CRI's Laiming has more.
Reporter
The number of registered drug users in China had reached 2.14 million by the end of March. Now seven out of ten drug users are young people aged between 15 and 34, and more of them are using synthetic drug rather than the traditional opioids.
In 2012 the users of synthetic drugs accounted for 72.6 percent of the total registered drug users, an increase of 55.6 percent from 2010. 86.5 percent of drug users under 18 abuse synthetic drugs.
Professor Song Xiaoge at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine says the new types of synthetic drugs are based on amphetamine. They work directly on users' central nervous system.
"The users tend to get very agitated after they take the drug, they don't need to eat or drink or sleep, and they may suffer from hallucinations. Some even get impulsive and are prone to violence."
A drug addict under rehabilitation explains the scars on his face and arms:
"My friend and I took a dozen pills. One side effect of those pills is you become paranoid and believe that people want to hurt you. My friend and I went outside the internet café, and we slashed each other with knives."
Other than accidents under the influence of hallucination, synthetic drugs can also cause irrevocable mental damage. Wang Peng is a doctor at Wuhan Psychiatric Hospital where a new section has been set up for synthetic drug users.
"For ordinary patients with mental illness, their symptoms disappear after a certain period of treatment. But our patients here, the drug users, they are constantly agitated and have a propensity for violence."
Wang Peng's section could accommodate 50 drug addicts and have treated more than 400 patients this year so far.
According to Wang Peng's colleague, addiction to synthetic drugs is also much harder to cure.
"For traditional drugs like heroine, we could treatment the patients with replacement therapy. But so far, we have not found a replacement for these new types of drugs."
So the doctors are calling for more support from society and the patients' family to help them out
For CRI, I'm Laiming.
 
 
Sports
 
 
Federer, Sharapova Suffers Shock Defeat; Bunch of Players Withdraw
 
Anchor
Wednesday has been one of the most dramatic days in recent Wimbledon history, with a slew of top players now out of the tournament.
CRI's London correspondent Tu Yun has the details.
Reporter
Just when you thought defending men's champ Roger Federer would enjoy a wide-open draw after Rafael Nadal's early exit, the seven-time Wimbledon champion has been handed a "Waterloo" defeat in the second round for the first time in almost ten years.
116th ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky of Slovakia outperformed the defending champion 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6.
The 27-year-old stunned center court in only his second-ever meeting with the Swiss powerhouse.
"When you play Roger Federer in Wimbledon, it's like playing two persons. First you play Roger Federer. And then you play his ego, and on the Center Court of Wimbledon, where he's historical I would say, that's like playing two against one."
Despite the historical early exit, the 17-time grand slam champion seemed quite calm in the press conference room.
"He was uncomfortable to play against. I think he served and volleyed really well. It was difficult to get into that much rhythm clearly against a player like that. It's a great number. I can be proud of it. But moving on from here."
On the women's side, another equally stunning upset, with 3rd seed Maria Sharapova being handed an early-exit from the All-England club.
131st ranked Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal did need five match points, but eventually dumped Sharapova 6-3, 6-4.
"From what I felt, there was like dead grass on the top, and that made it quite slippery. But I just tried to be more careful."
The slippery courts have also taken their toll on the competition.
So far seven players have been forced to withdraw because of injury.
They include 6th-seeded male Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, women's 2nd seed Victoria Azarenka and Belgium's Steve Darcis, who shocked Rafael Nadal in the first round.
For CRI, I'm Tu Yun at Wimbledon.
 
 
Brazil beats Uruguay to advance to finals at Confederations Cup
 
At the Confederations Cup,
Host nation Brazil is through to the final after defeating Uruguay 2-1.
The two teams were bound for extra time, tied 1-1 with four minutes on the clock.
But then Brazil's Paulinho headed in a corner kick from Neymar to the delight of the partisan crowd.
It was a disappointing ending for Uruguay, who had been hoping to repeat their famous triumph over Brazil in the final group match of the 1950 World Cup.
The second semifinal between top dog Spain and no. 8 Italy will take place tomorrow.
Many are predicting a mismatched semifinal between the two teams, with the Spanish champions being the clear favorites to dominate.
Spain's tournament statistics are unmatched at 15 goals and just one concession.
Meanwhile, Italy is missing its lone central striker Mario Balotelli, who was sidelined after sustaining a thigh injury.
The Italian side isn't going into the match without spirit though.
Italy will be looking to avenge their humiliating 4-0 loss to the Spanish side at the Euro 2012 final last summer.
 
 
Two turkish football clubs disciplined by UEFA
 
Two major Turkish football clubs have been kicked out of their respective leagues for match-fixing.
UEFA expelled Fenerbahce from the next three club competitions, starting with next year's Champions League.
The Istanbul club was charged with match-fixing during its league-winning run in 2011.
The second club, Besiktas, was banned from the Europea league on suspected match-fixing during the 2011 Turkish Cup, which they won on penalties over city rival Istanbul BB.
And in the Chinese Super League,
Sven Goran Erikkson's second test as head coach was a success. Guangzhou R&F defeated Tianjin Teda 2-1 yesterday.
That's two wins for the Swedish coach, after the team beat Shanghai Shenxin over the weekend.
 
 
Australia triumphs over Somserset in first match
 
Australia took a load of late Somerset wickets to rally and win the opener of their Ashes tour.
Nick Compton showed his worth by scoring 81 off the Australian attack. And Somerset's Chris Jones scored his maiden century.
It was head coach Darren Lehmann's first test after replacing Mickey Arthur, who was sacked earlier this week.
"Really enjoyable for a cricket nuffie that I am. So I loved it. I love watching cricket obviously. At 2 for 310 it was a bit different. But you know we finished the day pretty well, you know, happy with the day's work. Now the challenge is to bat well tomorrow."
Day two is scheduled to begin later today.
 
 
Entertainment
 
 
Michael Jackson's Son testifies at trial
 
Michael Jackson's eldest son yesterday testified at the trial against promoters AEG.
Prince Jackson says that his father's conversations with AEG sometimes brought Michael to tears.
The 16 year old testified that Michael Jackson was excited about going back on tour but had wanted more time to rehearse.
Prince recalls that after one of his father's conversations with AEG, the singer said that "They're going to kill me".
The testimony is part of an ongoing lawsuit against AEG, which the Jackson family claims hired Conrad Murray, the doctor later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Jackson died of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol back in 2009.
Prince Jackson is a plaintiff alongside his siblings Paris and Blanket in the case filed by the children's grandmother and caretaker.
The youngster told the jury that the siblings had no idea of the extent of Michael's fame before his death, as the singer had always shielded the children from the spotlight.
The trial is expected to continue into the coming month.
 
 
Lady Gaga is Forbes' most Powerful Musician
 
Lady Gaga has topped Forbes' list of the most powerful musicians.
(Gaga)
The rankings are compiled based on earnings, press mentions and social media following.
Lady Gaga earned over $168 million for her Born This Way Ball tour, despite having had to cut it short due to a hip injury.
The 27 year old singer's 38.5 million Twitter followers and 57.9 million facebook fans also helped to propel her to the top.
Lagging behind is Beyonce at number two, wityh her Mrs Carter show and endorsement deals with Pepsi and H&M.
(Beyonce)
Meanwhile, Madonna is in third place, having earned over $300 million for her MDNA tour.
Elsewhere on the list, country pop songstress Taylor Swift makes it to number 4, followed by Bon Jovi and Justin Beiber at 5 and 6 respectively.
 
 
Will.i.am sues Pharrell over the use of "I am"
 
Will.i.am is suing Pharrell Williams…bizarrely over the use of the phrase 'I AM"
(Pharrell)
Will.i.am launched a range o add=ons for the Iphone named i.am+camera last year.
The Voice judge is now claioming that Pharrell's proposed range, branded as I am OTHER, is placed in what he calls a confusingly similar way.
In his lawsuit, Will.i.am is claiming copyright of the phrase "I am", something that Pharrell has branded "ridiculous".
Pharrel is less than impressed by the move.
The 40 year old artist has told Rolling Stone magazine that he is disappointed that Will.i.am did not talk it out with him first.
 
 
Morrissey to mark 25th anniversary of solo career with new live DVD
 
Morrissey is celebrating that 25th anniversary of his solo career with the release of a new live DVD.
(Morrissey)
Morrissey 25: Live will show footage of the former Smiths frontman's concert at Hollywood Highschool from back in March.
This is the 54 year old's first live release since 2004's Who Put the M in Manchester?
Fans can expect both Morrissey hits and songs from the Smith's back catalogue.
The DVD is set to drop in July, accompanied by screenings in cinemas across the US, including in IMAX 3D. 
 
World War Z sequel in the works
 
With a rosy opening weekend grossing of 111-million US dollars, a sequel to Brad Pitt's latest flick World War Z is already in the works.
(world war z)
Though the film missed out the US box office topspot to animated film Monster's University, the US takings alone managed to cover more than half the $190 million budget.
Paramount Studios initially planned on making a trilogy for the film adaptation of the popular book but put further sequels on hold after major production delays and script problems.
The Marc Foster directed apocalyptic horror is based on the 2006 novel by Matthew Michael Carnahan by the same na.e
The movie is also Brad Pitt's biggest grossing debut of his career so far.
 
 
 
That's all we have time for on the show as well.
Recapping our top headlines....
The Chinese government is offering up help to the families of the Chinese citizens murdered this week in Papua New Guinea.
South Korea's President is due to begin her first official visit here to China since taking office.
Kevin Rudd is due to be sworn in today as Australia's new Prime Minister.
In Business, China's top leadership has issued a new statement to try to steady the markets.