China denies pressuring Disney over Dalai Lama film

The Chinese government... has never put pressure in any wayon the Disney Co., Foreign Ministry spokesman Shen Guofangtold a news briefing. We only hope the Disney group will be able to bettercooperate with China in relevant areas, he added without elaboration. Shen made his statements after reporters asked about a film industry letter that criticized Beijing for what it called attempting to impose worldwide censorship on Chinarelated films. A group of 41 movie actors, actresses, producers and directors including Paul Newman and Bernardo Bertolucci sent the letter on Wednesday to the Chinese ambassador to the United States.

Last month, China reportedly blasted Disney for moving ahead with the production of the film Kundun, based on the Dalai Lama. Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of inciting unrest in the region. Despite Beijings objections, Disney said it had no plans to cancel the films release.

In Wednesdays letter, the film industry personalities said Chinas warning to Disney was the latest incident in a persistent effort by Beijing to censor the film industry. The letter cited 12 incidents, in which the film industry believed China has interfered with production.

Disney is eager to expand into Asia, particularly China, where demand for U.S. products is high. It remained to be seen if Disneys involvement in Kundun would hurt its ambitious business expansion plans in China.

The Dalai Lama fled his Himalayan homeland in 1959 after afailed uprising against Communist rule and won the Nobel Peace Prize 30 years later for his nonviolent campaign for autonomy for Tibet.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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