The East China Daily reported that the Chinese government plans to ban popular Japanese anime and American cartoons from prime time television (5-9pm) in an effort to develop domestically-produced animation.

It is as yet undecided when the ban will take effect, but it is said that regulations on cartoon character merchandise are also possible. The moves are sure to set off debate both in and out of China since such laws may violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The Daily writes that this may affect attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland, set to open this September.

China’s television stations are already required by the government to include Chinese-made cartoons as 60% of their cartoon schedules, but outside of China Central Television, this rule is not being followed by regional stations. It is said that this is the reason why the CCP decided to take stronger measures.

America’s Disney cartoons and Japanese anime such as “Captain Tsubasa” (a soccer-themed cartoon), “Chibi Maruko-chan” (a family-oriented comedy), and “Super Magic Hero Wataru” (Some fantasy thing) are popular.

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