THE Chinese are to be given free samples of British music under a groundbreaking Internet deal.
Young consumers will be introduced to the delights of Katie Melua, Prodigy and Stereophonics.
The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has struck a deal with SINA, China's largest Internet service provider, to reach its 180 million registered users.
Users will access a dedicated British music area on SINA's homepage where they will be able to stream music and video clips via their computers.
The record labels will receive no payment but the clips will be accompanied by links to the artists' websites, giving them access to the hugely lucrative Chinese market.
Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand are being lined up to take part.
Government body UK Trade and Investment is backing the deal, which is to be signed on Thursday.
The news comes as the Rolling Stones continue their first ever tour of China - under the watchful eye of the censors.
The first five artists to become available under the deal are Stereophonics, Katie Melua, Basement Jaxx and The Rakes.
A spokesman for AIM said: "Obviously there are some tunes we won't be putting forward for this. We intend to work within the system. Every single song will be vetted and those that aren't suitable won't be used. We will be avoiding music with specific sex and drug references."
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