China yesterday launched an international Arabic-language television channel as part of an ambitious programme to promote its views abroad and promote the image of the country.
State-run China Central Television (CCTV) said the new service would broadcast news, entertainment and education programmes 24 hours a day to a potential audience of about 300 million people in 22 countries. It has been working on launching its new Arabic channel since last September.
CCTV Vice-President Zhang Changming said in a statement: "The channel would serve as an important bridge to strengthen communication and understanding between China and the Arab countries."
The network already broadcasting in English, French and Spanish, also has plans for a Russian-language service.
The satellite channel can be received across the Middle East, North Africa and in the Asia-Pacific region, the statement added. The move is part of an international expansion by the state-controlled media to promote the image of China abroad.
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