Chinese state television launched an Arabic-language channel beamed to the Middle East and Africa on Saturday. The 24-hour channel will air in 22 Arabic-speaking countries, reaching a total population of nearly 300 million people, China Central Television said in a statement. The channel «will serve as an important bridge to strengthen communication and understanding between China and Arab countries,» said a CCTV vice president, Zhang Changming, in the statement. The Arabic channel will carry news, feature stories, entertainment and education programs and will gradually expand its offerings, CCTV said. The network already broadcasts in English, French and Spanish as well as in Mandarin.
