China's cartoon industry nearly doubled its animation output this year, going from 42,700 minutes in 2005 to more than 81,000 minutes in 2006.

The Xinhua news service reported Saturday that an official with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television announced the new record at a meeting that marked the 80th anniversary of China's cartoon production.

After the government informed broadcasters that Chinese cartoons had to account for 60 percent of all cartoons shown, successful measures were taken to increase the output of domestic cartoons, with private capital playing a major role in the animation industry, the report said.

Xinhua said analysts believe, however, that Chinese cartoons still need to be more original with better storylines.[UPI]