Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

Beijing conference focuses on economy

Renmin University is holding its mid-year China Macro Economy Conference in Beijing today. The conference will be focusing on the government's policy dilemma in ensuring economic growth while tackling inflation and asset bubbles. Premier Wen Jiabao hinted for the first time early this week that China would find it difficult to attain its 4 per cent target for inflation this year.

Business leaders to deal in moral values

Some of the mainland's entrepreneurs and corporate leaders will gather in Shanghai tomorrow, not to discuss housing or stock prices but in pursuit of spiritual enrichment. The forum, organised by the China Business Journal in co-operation with Fudan University, covers a range of topics from corporate social responsibility, Confucian philosophy and the rise of China, to culture and life, for a business community audience.

Marriage - amid mystery - in Monaco

The marriage between Monaco's Prince Albert and the statuesque South African swimming champion Charlene Wittstock will be solemnised by a very public Catholic religious ceremony today, the biggest day in Monaco since his father, Prince Rainier, married Hollywood actress Grace Kelly in 1956. The Mediterranean principality is concluding three days of royal wedding festivities marked by glamour and romance but also, thanks to last-minute rumours, suspense and intrigue. Preparations have been clouded by claims that Wittstock attempted to call it off. Press reports suggested she had learned of some secret from Albert's private life and decided to head home to South Africa, only to be intercepted by royal aides as she approached Nice airport and persuaded to stay on. The royal house and family friends dismissed the claims.

Sharapova injects glamour into Wimbledon final

Maria Sharapova is back in a grand slam tennis final for the first time since 2008, and the women's game is the better for it. The former world number one will play the Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova in today's Wimbledon final. 'I hadn't been past the fourth round in a few years,' the 2004 champion said. 'So to be at this stage, I'm just thrilled to have the opportunity to go for it.' After winning the 2008 Australian Open, a shoulder injury forced the Russian off the WTA tour for nine months. Although she came back two years ago, Sharapova had not reached a major semi-final until last month's French Open. Women's tennis has been lacking strong rivalries and a dominant leader since Sharapova temporarily left the tour.

Bahrain's Sunni leaders meet defeated opposition

Bahrain's Sunni rulers hope to open talks today with the Shiite opposition they crushed in the unrest that erupted four months ago, as the country's most powerful pro-reform bloc Al Wefaq mulls whether to participate in the dialogue. Mistrust prevails ahead of the scheduled opening of the national dialogue proposed by King Hamad to revive political reforms after the violent repression of protests, and despite conciliatory measures. The opposition wants a proper constitutional monarchy in which the prime minister would be elected, and in which the elected chamber would be vested with exclusive legislative and regulatory powers.