Why is China giving satellite TV to 10,000 African villages?

The Global Story

Nearly a decade ago, China promised to provide 10,000 remote villages in Africa with free digital TV access. It was a sign of warm relations between Bejing and the continent - as well as being another step in China’s plan to spread its influence across the globe.

Caitriona Perry speaks with Shawn Yuan and Ankur Shah from the BBC's Global China unit about whether China really managed to expand its power in Africa by giving away free satellite TV.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [e-mail] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on [phone].

Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins.

Sound Engineers: Jeremy Morgan, Stephen Bailey and Hannah Montgomery.

Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.

Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.