ALL YOUR SCREEN ARE BELONG TO US

Who didn't see this coming? After spending six months engaged in a review of China's trade policies regarding film, US Trade Representative Rob Portman, came to the conclusions he had probably already planned on coming to six months ago before he read word one:

"As a mature trading partner, China should be held accountable for its actions and required to live up to its responsibilities, including opening markets and enforcing intellectual property rights. We will use all options available to meet this challenge."

Yep, the US is "cracking down" on China's closed markets. They've thrown piracy into the mix, but the closed markets are the other major target.

"Despite three consecutive years of growing U.S. exports to China, our bilateral trade relationship with China today lacks equity, durability and balance in the opportunities it provides. The time has come to readjust our trade policy with respect to China."

Dan Glickman, the head of the MPA, wrote a letter in which he "applauds" Portman and goes on to say:

"In addition, the MPAA will  continue working with USTR and other officials to expand the Chinese market to  provide a more level playing field for the benefit of all filmmakers."

Aw, we're going to do all that for little old China? They must be so happy. Portman is considering filing lawsuits with the WTO against China for restrictive trade practices.

The recent UNESCO agreement on cultural diversity (which everyone in the world signed except for the US and Israel) may provide some relief, but not enough. You can read a sober analysis of what it can and can't do here.