UNAIR NEWS – The Chinese government has officially announced new restrictions on Hollywood film imports, a move seen as retaliation against the United States’ recent tariff hikes on Chinese goods. The policy, issued by China’s National Film Administration on Thursday (April 10, 2025), marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the two global powers.

Professor Rachmah Ida, a professor from the Department of Communications at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), offered her perspective on the development. She views China’s action as a strategic step toward empowering its domestic film industry.

According to Prof. Ida, the reduction in imported Hollywood content is not only a response to U.S. tariffs but also a catalyst for local industry growth. With fewer international blockbusters flooding the market, domestic filmmakers will face less competition, allowing them greater space to innovate and flourish.

Challenging cultural imperialism

Prof. Ida also highlighted the cultural implications of China’s move, arguing it could boost public appreciation for homegrown films. Local audiences may find stronger cultural connections in films that reflect their own language, stories, and values. She sees the policy as part of a broader effort to resist the dominance of American cultural exports.

“U.S. films have long dominated platforms like Netflix and Apple TV,” she noted. “This initiative represents a conscious pushback against American cultural imperialism, which Hollywood has historically propagated worldwide, including in China.”

Prof. Ida further criticized the United States’ actions, describing them as shortsighted in terms of cultural diplomacy. She warned that the U.S. film industry risks losing international influence as other countries continue to develop strong, high-quality cinema.

“In this case, it is the United States that stands to lose, as its cultural production network faces increasing limitations. Meanwhile, China’s domestic film industry remains intact and continues to thrive. This loss is a direct consequence of American self-interest—an extension of the post-Cold War romanticism that positioned the U.S. as the sole global superpower. However, in today’s multipolar world, many nations have grown weary of America’s persistent arrogance and unilateralism,” she said.

Author: FISIP UNAIR

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati