BEIJING - SPONGEBOB SquarePants, Mickey Mouse and Pokemon are officially persona non grata on Chinese prime time.

China is extending a ban that virtually locks out all foreign cartoons from airing between 5 pm to 9 pm in a bid to protect its fledgling domestic cartoon industry.

According to a new ruling Wednesday by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, no foreign cartoons or programs introducing foreign cartoons can be shown during 'the golden hours' on all domestic cartoon channels and children channels starting May 1.

The move is intended to help 'spur the domestic cartoon industry,' the agency said.

Only domestic cartoons approved by SARFT are allowed to be aired, according to the regulations. Cartoons co-produced by domestic and foreign producers will have to get approval.

The new regulation expands an earlier ban, imposed in August 2006, that kept foreign cartoons off the air between 5 pm and 8 pm Domestic cartoon programming increased by 38 per cent, SARFT said.

In recent years, a huge influx of foreign cartoons, especially from Japan, have flooded the airwaves, becoming highly popular with Chinese children.

China has sought to compete, promoting its own children's programming. Among the more popular cartoons is '3000 Questions for Blue Cat,' also known as Lan Mao, which is aimed at popularising science among youngsters.

The show answers one scientific question per episode. Another perennial favorite,'Monkey King,' which is adapted from an ancient Chinese classic, follows the antics of its primate hero.

Recent regulations have been aimed at allowing the country's struggling animation studios space to compete. The ban will 'enhance the SARFT's management over cartoon programs and will create a favourable environment for the domestic cartoon industry,' the agency said.

Aside from foreign cartoons, China has made concerted efforts to control other aspects of pop culture, recently issuing bans against sexually suggestive audio and video products as well as films that contain horror or the supernatural.

Regulators have also issued new warnings against pornography and restrictions on video-sharing Web sites, which are accused of broadcasting pornography. -- AFP