Fast-food company Yum Brands Inc. said that half of its operating profit next year would come from restaurants as it pursues growth in China.

Yum has more than 11,700 restaurants in its international division, which excludes China, and expects to have 15,000 restaurants by 2011.

In China, Yum has about 2,000 restaurants and has been opening about one a day and expects to have at least 20,000 restaurants in the world's most populous nation. Yum's China division now makes up nearly a third of its overall operating profit.

Yum, based in Louisville, Kentucky, has been placing greater emphasis on its international businesses as its KFC and Pizza Hut brands have enjoyed growth in China. In October, Yum raised its profit outlook for the year, citing strong performance in China.