China to launch national image promotion campaign

The Chinese government will launch a large-scale publicity campaign to raise its national image abroad timed with Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to the U.S. next week, Chinese media reported Thursday.

Beijing plans to show a commercial promoting China`s national image on a Times Square billboard in New York and on major U.S. TV networks during Hu’s visit Tuesday through Friday. The commercial will also be aired in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East in their native languages.

China has actively promoted its national image abroad. Major state-run media including Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Central TV and the People’s Daily are aggressively seeking to start operations abroad.

In addition, Beijing has publicized its "soft power" by setting up academies aimed at promoting the Chinese language and culture.