BEIJING – China’s Film Administration said on Thursday it would “moderately reduce” the number of US films it imported into the country, as a standoff between the world’s two largest economies escalates.
“We will follow the law of the market, respect the choice of the audience, and moderately reduce the number of US films imported,” a statement from the film administration said.
Beijing already limits the number of foreign films shown in cinemas through a system of quotas.
However, the sheer size of the Chinese market means that losing more of even that limited access would be a blow to US studios.
Showcase Hollywood blockbusters often fare well at the Chinese box office.
Warner Bros and Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” took the top spot last weekend, with ticket sales of around $14.5 million, according to the Hollywood Reporter. – AFP
