China plans to open TV channel in Turkey

China Radio International (CRI), a Chinese state-owned radio broadcaster, plans to establish a television station in Turkey, an official said.

Speaking to Demirören News Agency, Kamil Erdoğdu, news director of CRI Türk radio, said the broadcaster's Turkey branch aims to open a TV station, since the expansion of CRI's scope following the establishment of the China Media Group.

The group brought together China Central Television (CCTV), China National Radio (CNR) and CRI. "This is currently the world's largest media group in terms of the number of personnel and infrastructure," Erdoğdu said.

Turkey and China have maintained somewhat low-profile ties for decades. They recently stepped up cooperation with deals as part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI). The ties are largely linked to economic partnerships, but both countries also aim to improve cultural ties as well.