The media center for the upcoming 17th national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is available on Monday to both domestic and overseas press.

The media center, based in Beijing Media Center Hotel which is opposite to China Central Television, will handle credentials and applications of foreign journalists and correspondents from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan for covering the congress.

A total of 1,033 overseas reporters from 258 media organizations of 42 countries and regions, including 342 reporters from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, have signed up at the center, and the staff started receiving reporters on Monday morning, according to the center.

The center is divided into seven parts, with a newly established photo service room and broadcasting service room.

The center will also help arrange coverage of activities related to the congress and provide related services.

The telephone numbers of the reception office for journalists from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are: (8610) 68520600, 68520700; the fax numbers are: (8610) 68529200, 68529300.

The numbers of the reception office for foreign journalists are: (8610) 68520200, 68520300, 68520500; the fax numbers are: (8610)68576400, 68576500.

An official website for the media center, www.cpcnews.cn, was also kicked off. The website feeds journalists with latest news, important reports, high-profile activities and content of press conferences.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2007)