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SHANGHAI -- China's animation industry is on a roll, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film & Television (Sarft), which announced cartoon output in 2006 was double that of the previous year.

Sarft deputy director Zhao Shi, speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of Chinese cartooning, reported last year's cartoon count reached 81,000 minutes, up from 42,700 in 2005; 65,100 minutes of cartoons were sold in 2006 to overseas markets.

Domestic demand for cartoons has been fueled in part by the growth in TV cartoon channels, now in cities including Shanghai and Beijing, and dedicated kids' channels, of which there are more than 30.

The huge popularity of Hollywood and Japanese cartoons in particular has led the government to actively promote the domestic industry at the expense of foreign fodder.

Rules introduced by Sarft last year ban foreign-made cartoons from peak TV viewing slots, and older regulations mean domestic animation has to account for at least 60% of cartoon airtime.