BOLIVIA –The first telecommunications satellite of Bolivia has been launched in China amid cheers from home crowds in La Paz.

 The satellite is named Tupak Katari, after an indigenous hero who fought Spanish colonial rule.

Bolivia is one of the last countries in South America to have its own satellite.

Speaking during the launch of the satellite, President Evo Morales, who was in China to witness the iconic event, said it would end Bolivia's dependence on foreign powers for its communications.

"This will be our light, after living for so many years in the obscurity, the suffering and the domination of the empires," said Mr Morales.

The launch took place at 12:42 Bolivian time (16:42 GMT) from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China's southwest Sichuan province.

From the early hours of Friday morning, huge crowds began to gather at the central square in La Paz.

Before the launch, which was shown on national television, indigenous leaders performed ceremonies to Pachamama, or Mother Earth.