BEIJING, July 25, SPA -- Chinese state television launched anArabic-language channel beamed to the Middle East andAfrica on Saturday. The 24-hour channel will air in 22 Arabic-speakingcountries, reaching a total population of nearly 300million people, China Central Television said in astatement. The channel «will serve as an important bridge tostrengthen communication and understanding between Chinaand Arab countries,» said a CCTV vice president, ZhangChangming, in the statement. The Arabic channel will carry news, feature stories,entertainment and education programs and will graduallyexpand its offerings, CCTV said. The network alreadybroadcasts in English, French and Spanish as well as inMandarin.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/687318