(1 September 2007 1:00 pm)

MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC is set to expand its online audiences in China, thanks to a partnership agreement with the official portal of Xinjiang Province in Northwest China.

Visitors to tianshannet.com can access the BBC Learning English content specially tailored for Chinese-speakers by visiting the BBC Learning English Channel that is available, live on the portal.

BBC Learning English teaches various points of the English language through human interest stories and topics including UK lifestyle and culture.

Visitors to tianshannet.com can learn to read, write and speak English through the BBC's four popular Learning English features: 'take away English, quizzes, real English and wordmaster.

BBC World Service business development manager for China and North Asia Raymond Li said, "We are delighted to be able to provide visitors to tianshannet.com with our English learning content.

"This is a great addition to successful partnerships we have developed with Chinese portals, and we welcome new audiences to the BBC Learning English Channel."

"The collaboration between tianshannet.com and BBC Learning English will become a milestone in the online English learning in Xinjiang region."

BBC Learning English offers English language teaching programmes and online content for global radio and online audiences.

English learning materials are available online at bbclearningenglish.com and for Chinese speakers, on bbcchina.com.cn.