MUMBAI: A circular issued by China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) emphasises improving the quality and quantity of domestically created cartoons, while at the same time limiting the introduction of overseas cartoons.

The move is expected to boost the domestic Chinese cartoon industry. As per the circular, TV stations are required to ensure that the proportion of Chinese produced to foreign produced cartoons broadcast in China exceeds 6:4.TV stations targeted at minors must show Chinese produced cartoons between 5 and 7 o'clock in the evening, says the circular. Beneficial policies have also been issued for Chinese companies that produce and publish cartoons, including special tax guidelines.

SARFT has already banned online gaming commercials and content from TV broadcasts and has likewise prohibited the airing of foreign produced programming during primetime.