China to relax rules on film censorship

The State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has eliminated 20 items for government approval amid efforts to streamline government functions.

The administration eliminated the need to approve imported equipment, film and state property needed for movie productions by Chinese and foreign partners, according to a circular issued by the State Council, or China's cabinet.

In addition, the exhibition and promotion of domestic publications abroad will no longer need approval, according to the circular.

The administration will stop managing radio plays and relax censorship over films, adding that summaries for such productions will still be subject to public notification, according to the circular.

Provincial departments will now be responsible for censoring domestic TV programs that feature foreign producers, the circular said.

The administration will strengthen its role in advancing industry reforms and protecting copyright, the circular said.

The re-organized administration became operational in March after the government merged the press and broadcasting regulators responsible for overseeing the press, publication, radio, film and television sectors as part of efforts to cut red tape and reduce administrative intervention.

The administration's role includes creating policies to guide the sector's development, regulating market players and copyright management.