HONG KONG 4 March - China is extending a ban on television stations broadcasting foreign cartoons by an additional hour during prime time in a bid to protect the domestic animation industry. However, observers believe Beijing should do more to boost the development of the domestic industry, instead of solely blocking foreign cartoons.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's (SARFT) posted a circular on its website on February 19 informing viewers that from May 1 all foreign cartoons will be banned on all domestic TV cartoon and children's channels from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Only domestic cartoons censored by the provincial broadcasting authorities or the SARFT can be aired between that time. Cartoons co-produced by domestic and foreign firms will have to