The censorship included issues of morality and crime, as well as indecency, obstruction of diplomatic relations, and "insult to China".
[3]: p.7–8 In July 1930, the Nationalist Government established the Film and Drama Censorship Committee [note 2] in Nanjing.
For example, the 1934 release of the American film "Welcome Danger" was accused by Hong Shen of degrading the Chinese and he had a dispute with the cinema manager.
[3]: p.9–10 In the 1940s, the ROC government sought to prevent the release of Hollywood films which it viewed as insulting to China or Chinese people.
After three deliberations, in October 2016, the 12th NPC Standing Committee confirmed that it could be adopted with one amendment, and on November 3, 2016, a meeting was held to conclude the matter.
Instead of resisting the Chinese state, they were induced to collaborate and practice "complicit creativity," which entails concession, reconfiguration, and collusion.
[2] Indian films were de facto banned from theatrical release in China in 2020 and 2021 due to border skirmishes in addition to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
[5]: 29 According to the Motion Picture Association of America's handbook, Hollywood producers who want to co-produce with Chinese must also apply for a permit before they can be released in China.
Just before the agreement was reached, the U.S. bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia resulted in a five-month ban on U.S. films in China.
Back in April 2007, the U.S. requested China to lift restrictions on the import of movies, music and books.
In December 2009, the Appellate Body upheld the decision, finding that China's restrictions violated WTO member states' obligations and could not be justified on the grounds of protecting public morals.