Changes aim to cut cost of borrowing

State Council's guidelines would make financing easier for small businesses, too

• Around China
• Quotable
• The Number
• On the web
• President wraps up Latin America tour
• Report: Japan's military buildup cause for worry
• US interference seen in region
• Typhoon Matmo wreaks havoc in Fujian, Taiwan with huge rainfall
• Retired government officials may expect tighter rules on new jobs
• Safety stressed in Xi'an after drowning

Eyeballing online

Except during his childhood, Liu Yang, a caf owner in Tianjin, has never found much use for a TV set.

• Connected convenience
• Command and control

Bridge over Pacific waters

China values geopolitical importance of Latin American and Caribbean nations and wants all-round cooperation with them

• Cartoon
• Smart gifts promote changing China
• Netting fugitive officials
• Naked truth about 'naked officials'
• Anti-graft drive bolsters reform
• Western media expose their prejudice
• A globalizing China benefits world
• Letters
• From the Chinese press

Netherlands mourns as first bodies arrive

Royal family and PM meet planes; nation observes minute of silence

• UK will send arms to Russia despite tough talk
• Airline worker recalls joyful sendoff for passengers
• Italy arrests 5 over 'massacre' of would-be refugees at sea
• Concordia makes final voyage after shipwreck
• US pushes for truce as Gaza battles rage
• Battle flares over public opinion
• Indonesia election challenge appears unlikely to succeed
• Negotiations on 'comfort women' resume
• IN BRIEF (Page 12)

'Further volatility' for capital flows in H2

Cross-border capital flows will remain volatile in the second half of the year, the nation's foreign exchange regulator said on Wednesday.

• External debt level under control, safe says
• Beef imports forecast to double by 2018
• China, US reach agreement on infrastructure deals
• IT vendors in search of new business code
• Report: Booming consumer confidence in smaller cities
• What's news
• AVIC to work with Safran in raising global presence
• Shanxi steps in to avert Huatong bond default
• New Oriental, ATA form joint venture
• NetEase to launch notary e-mail service
• Alibaba unit launches new online financing service for prospective vehicle buyers

2M alliance charts ships' new course

Container ship operators from China will face fresh pressure from the newly formed 2M alliance between Denmark-based Maersk Line and Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Co SA, industry experts said on Wednesday.

• Internet giants busy in M&A market
• Officials urged to cut company ties
• China sales polish Q2 earnings for Apple
• Textile firms mark 35 years of ties at US expo
• Microsoft to stem Nokia losses 'in 2 years'
• Companies listing in HK choose fewer advisers

Battle for the big screen

In recent months a catchy song, A Little Apple, has gone viral in Chinese cyberspace. It has become such a cult hit that it has even inspired square-dancing troupes to mimic its music video. But what its millions of fans did not realize as they bopped along to the catchy tune, is that they were actually taking part in an unusual campaign for a movie that they had probably never heard of.

• Coming-of-age movie a strong Oscar contender
• A career transformed
• Exhibition Special: Historic moments as 'Cartier Time Art' opens in Shanghai
• No twilight zone
• Witherspoon tops Toronto film festival lineup
• Aging stars find second chance at love on screen
• Virtual X
• PBS unveils plans for Downton Abbey, other productions

Score board

• IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Time travelers

Part of the Silk Road, a 2,000-year old route for trade and cultural exchanges, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Doha, Qatar, from June 15 to 25, 2014.

• Shaanxi highlights its natural attractions

Economic and environmental improvements

The local government of Jilin province is exploring ways to develop northeast China's traditional industrial base in an eco-friendly way.

• Colorful summer camp for village school