China's new satellite television service was launched across much of East Asia on Tuesday, the second major advance of its television programming into the international market.

Li Jian, president of the China International TV Corp., said that they aim to meet growing demand from overseas Chinese in the region for Chinese language programs, in addition to showcasing China to English-speaking audiences.

The Great Wall TV Package features 11 channels including CCTV-4, CCTV-9, CCTV-Chinese Opera channel, Beijing TV and Shanghai TV in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Min Dialect.

From yesterday, it was available in Vietnam, Thailand, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Myanmar, as well as in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao and in Taiwan Province.

The package was launched in North America in October and received a positive response from subscribers.

"We are looking to launch our Great Wall satellite service in Europe, Africa and Oceania in the future to serve audiences around the globe," Li said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2005)