China launches new communications satellite

China launched a new communications satellite Wednesday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the country's southwest.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the ChinaSat 2C satellite was sent into orbit to provide radio, TV and broadband transmission services for the country's radio and TV stations and cable networks.

ChinaSat 2C -- carried into orbit by a Long March-3B carrier rocket -- was developed by China Academy of Space Technology and is owned by China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.

The rocket launch was the 216th mission for the Long March carrier series, which was developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.