No more high-cost shows for officials' star chasing
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-07-29 09:47

China will launch a new set of regulations this September to restrict and punish officials who use public funds to hold high-cost performances, Wang Yongqing, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, said in Beijing.

The regulation is a revised version of the Regulations on Commercial Art Performances issued eight years ago, Wang said.

In July 2004, officials in Wanyuan City, western China's Sichuan Province, were reported to have used public funds totaling 728,300 yuan (US$89,580) to buy performance tickets. "Such phenomena are surging nationwide, as many local officials want overnight prosperity with the help of artistic performances," Wang indicated.

Some insiders said a profitable performance may cost as much as tens of millions of yuan. However, they have brought negative influences on the public, as Chinese media often spotlight the hand-shaking between officials and stars, saying the performances are "to satisfy the official's star-chasing desire."

According to Wang, Lin Lang, the top official in Wanyuan, was punished immediately after the real cost of the performance was exposed. "China is now trying to regulate such behavior by strengthening the law."

The revised regulation said governments at all levels are banned from sponsoring or financially supporting any profitable performance, or using public funds to buy tickets. The regulation also specifies punishment for those violating rules.

To strengthen supervision over the performing arts market, the regulation also encourages local governments to invite volunteer supervisors, set up an informant hot line, and give rewards to people who contribute to the surveillance over the market.

Wang also said that cheating in the performance industry, including lip synching, benefiting from charity performances, and other illegal performances, will incur severe penalties, according to the new regulation.

"The performer or performing troupes who conduct lip synching will have their business license withdrawn as stipulated in the new regulation," Wang said.

However, advanced technology in stereo equipments make it hard to spot lip synching in performances, Vice Minister of Culture Meng Xiaosi said.

Close

Kidman wants to be full-time mom Steven Chow's 'voice' for sale online Jodie Foster sweet on 'Sugar Kings'

Today's Top News     Top Life News
US considers new restrictions on exports to China         4th US-DPRK face-to-face meeting planned         Sino-US relations good for peace, stability         RBS said to seek Bank of China stake         Death toll up; disease 'under control'         State okays new postal savings bank	China to 'vaccinate' kids against corruption       In Chinese cyberspace, a blossoming passion       No more high-cost shows for officials' star chasing       Mother sells teen girl's virginity for 10,000 yuan       Best way to pursue a woman, dining       Pig head on vouchers offends Chinese tourists