TOKYO - Owners say a transmission tower in Tokyo has become the world's tallest freestanding broadcast structure.

Tokyo Sky Tree, which is under construction, tops the 600-metre (1,969-feet) mark in Tokyo March 1, 2011. Already the tallest stand-alone communications tower in the world, Tokyo Sky Tree will stand 634 metres (2,080 feet) high upon completion, Kyodo news reported.  [Photo/Agencies]

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The company managing the Tokyo Sky Tree project says the structure surpassed another tower in China by reaching 1,971 feet (601 meters) Tuesday.

Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co. says it will stand 2,080 feet (634 meters) when it's completed later this year.

Japan's six top broadcasters are building the tower. It is expected to bolster television and radio transmissions in the capital region. It will also house shops, restaurants and other entertainment and is expected to become a new tourist destination in Tokyo.

The Canton Tower in China's southwestern city of Guangzhou claimed the previous tallest-broadcaster record at 1,968 feet (600 meters).