Chinese state-run media set to turn global

China's official media, which has firmed up its grip on the domestic market with a spate of changes, is now poised to move overseas in a big way with heavy backing from the government to proactively present a "true" picture of China.

The government will invest more in mainstream media organisations, especially those targeting overseas readers, in the next 10 years to better present a true picture of China to the world, Liu Binjie, Director of the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP), told 'China Daily'.

A range of plans in this regard which included encouraging mainstream media organisations to set up more overseas stations have been approved by the central government, he said.

"As China is enjoying higher international status, our mainstream media organisations are having greater influence worldwide too," Liu said.

Last month, China Daily, the national English newspaper, launched a weekly European edition that hit British newsstands, and a fresh Asian edition that covers a group of Asian countries.

Media officials say the daily plans to launch its editions in different countries, including India, in the coming years.

State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) launched its Middle East Regional Centre in the United Arab Emirates, opening its office in Dubai. CCTV is already telecasting in six languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish and French.

The network also appointed the largest number of overseas correspondents in almost all top capitals of the world in recent months.

State-run Xinhua news agency also launched its television network last year.

Almost all the top Chinese media outlets like the ruling Communist Party-run 'People's Daily' consolidated their hold on the domestic market after undergoing thorough revamp in the recent months, absorbing new technology and editorial content to make themselves more attractive.

The only private magazine, Party, edited by famous Chinese blogger Han Han, could not go beyond its first edition as it had to be closed down after its printing was blocked by officials.