China Daily, the national English-language newspaper group in China, announced today the launch of the China Daily Latin America Weekly, a milestone in the media group's international expansion to cover the world.

China Daily Latin America Weekly is the latest effort by the Chinese media group to enhance understanding between China and international communities on all continents through its editions in North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific and Africa in the past four years - and now in Latin America.

Zhu Ling, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the relationship between China and Latin America is growing and complex, and not always understood - not just by those in other parts of the world, but by Latin Americans and Chinese, too.

"We hope to set that right, and that is why China Daily, China's national English-language newspaper, is launching a Latin American publication today," Mr. Zhu said.

China Daily Latin America Weekly aims to be a prime source for news, information, comment and analysis on issues that affect both China and Latin America, produced and distributed by its professional international teams in China, its American headquarters in North America and future correspondents in Latin America.

Larry Lee, CEO of China Daily Holding Ltd, said China Daily Latin America Weekly is being distributed in Sao Paulo and Brasilia and will expand to Rio de Janeiro before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

"After establishing the network in Brazil, we will then enter countries such as Argentina, Peru and Chile," Mr. Lee said.

At the same time, China Daily's digital media platforms including China Daily websites, Apple iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook will allow people all over Latin America to access up-to-date news and views about China and the world on the Internet and their digital devices.

Li Jinzhang, ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brazil, said: "China Daily Latin America Weekly's landing in Brazil will provide Latin Americans with a platform to learn about a real and vibrant China and to enhance cooperation in a variety of fields between China and Latin American countries."

Valdemar Carneiro Leao, ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to China, said: "I am convinced the launch of China Daily Latin America is a sign of times and a significant step in the direction of a better understanding of Latin American in this country."