SHANGHAI - Chinese nationalist newspaper the Global Times launched its English edition today. The 24-page newspaper aims to target "sophisticated, well-educated, and affluent" readers in China and abroad. The Times says each issue will contain international and domestic news, business, in-depth reports, opinion, life, arts, and sports. The daily is being sold for 1.5 RMB.

The new paper is published by People’s Daily, and managed by the same chief editor of the Global Times Chinese version. It will be printed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Wuhan with the goal to maximize circulation. 

According to a booklet published for potential advertisers, Global Times will target the same demographic targeted by competitors China Daily and Shanghai Daily. The booklet reads, "Global Times will become a bridge between China and the rest of the world, sharing Chinese people’s views on significant international issues. It also purports to promote understanding and mutually-beneficial relations between China and other countries.”

An editor from the Chinese version of Global Times said in a phone interview, “This is not part of the media expansion plan of the Chinese government, and we didn’t receive any money from the government to publish this newspaper.”

The Global Times Chinese Edition has enjoyed a growing market share since it began publication in 1997. The Global News Digest established in 1993 before being re-named as the Global Times in 1997. In 2003, the Global Times published three editons per week. In 2006, the Global Times developed into a daily newspaper.