Published by: World Tibet Network News Thursday, December 11, 1997

[Lateline 12/9/97] Hong Kong -

The head of the US Motion Picture Association, Jack Valenti said he did not expect Hollywood's relationship with China to be hurt by three films critical of China, AP reported. Valenti made the remarks in Hong Kong before travelling to Beijing.

"The Chinese are very smart. They're good businessmen, practical and pragmatic ... I think they would understand this is not something I have any power over. President Bill Clinton has no power over it," he said.

The films - MGM's Red Corner, TriStar Pictures' Seven Years In Tibet and Walt Disney's Kundun - have come out just as Hollywood is trying to persuade Chinese leaders to open up to American films and television shows. With US box office and television ratings stagnant, producers need new markets such as China to boost earnings.

"We want to become business partners in the Chinese film industry," Mr Valenti said. He plans to ask Chinese officials to allow US investment in cinemas, production studios and movie-making, including co-productions.

Valenti is touring Asia to urge governments to crack down on video piracy. He told Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang yesterday that piracy was killing the local film industry.