MUMBAI: China has approved the first batch of cartoon adaptations of classic mythologies and historical novels for 2006. However, The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said the cartoons must not fabricate or distort the original work and must not advocate superstition.

The 220 approved cartoons will generate 193,867 minutes of content. The list includes classic mythologies and historical novels such as the Creation of Gods, the Pilgrimage to the West and Three Kingdoms.

Reportedly, SARFT has denied approval to approximately 25 cartoons because of the inapt subject matter or repetition of the same subject.