Getting in there before the Americans do

The British music industry is getting a leg up in China thanks to a deal that will deliver UK music and video clips to 180 million users of China's largest ISP.

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) used consultants SWAT Enterprises to broker the agreement, in a deal that was backed by the government's UK Trade and Investment body.

Chinese ISP SINA will set up a dedicated UK music section on its portal to deliver promotional music and video to SINA customers.

Music samples will be put up online, rather than entire tracks, because China is still drafting legislation to deal with payments for streamed media.

The Stereophonics, Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Katie Melua and The Rakes are among the first artists to be showcased, and AIM said other independent and major label acts are expected to follow suit.

“The chance to put British music in front of up to 180 million people is fantastic,” said Alison Wenham, chairman and chief executive of AIM.

"With the advent of the digital economy just around the corner we are very excited that UK music will find a willing and hungry audience in the burgeoning Chinese market.”

The agreement will be signed by Wenham tomorrow in Shanghai and will be witnessed by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who is currently visiting China.