Netflix explores launch of its streaming service in China

New York

NETFLIX is in preliminary discussions with a handful of Chinese media companies to explore how it can bring its streaming service to China, a development that has the potential to increase its subscriber counts but also faces significant challenges, including censorship.

Netflix has held talks with Wasu Media Holding, an Internet company backed by Jack Ma, the executive chairman of Alibaba Group, and BesTV New Media, a Shanghai-based media group, according to one person with knowledge of the discussions who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Netflix has also had discussions with other Chinese companies that have the licences needed to operate streaming television ser…