China authorized the first batch of national animation studios and animation research centers, Monday.

The establishment of these studios is a major step for the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) to further develop China's animation industry, said Xu Guangchun, director-general of the administration.

The nine studios are approved to produce cartoons with depth and refinement to form an animation industry chain, Xu said.

The four schools, including Communication University of China, Beijing Film Academy and China Academy of Art, will serve as research centers for animation pictures.

Xu said that SARFT will vigorously support innovation for national animated films and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation to grant these bases favorable financial and tax policies.

According to the administration, approximately 200 animated pictures were produced in 2004.

China issued new regulations last month to allow foreign companies to invest in local television and film production companies.

Source: Xinhua