China launches TV ad campaign in US

The Chinese government is launching a television ad campaign in the US during President Hu Jintao’s upcoming visit on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported. Officials hope that the commercials will improve the country’s image by portraying a "prosperous, democratic, civilized and harmonious" image of the country, according to the State Council Information Office. Some commercials star Chinese celebrities such as basketball player Yao Ming and astronaut Yang Liwei. Hu’svisit  comes at a time of increasing public anxiety in the US about China’s rise. Recent polls indicate that about 20% of Americans view China as the country’s greatest threat, and nearly half incorrectly believe that China is the world’s leading economic power. This is not the first time that China has mounted public relations ad campaigns: Previous campaigns have included brief TV commercials in both the US and Europe.