The Chinese government has agreed to carry Korean Broadcasting System’s (KBS) international TV channel, KBS World, into China to be available to 250 hotels from September 1 2007. The agreement was reached after “rigorous negotiation” between KBS and China’s regulator, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) for more than three and a half years. KBS World will be carried via SINOSAT, the only platform opened to foreign channels by the Chinese government, adding to 34 foreign channels including CNN, BBC World, NHK World Premium which have met the authorities’ requirements for carriage. Hotels in districts for foreigners and other designated areas can access KBS World. KBS World is expected to primarily serve 4.5 million Korean visitors of the 20 million foreigners visiting China yearly, as well as about 700,000 Koreans who are residing permanently in China. In addition, the channel is available to 30 million Chinese staying regularly at hotels with SINOSAT reach.