13 WTHR IndianapolisUS hails China agreement on movies

US hails China agreement on movies

Posted: Updated:
WASHINGTON -

Hollywood and the Obama administration are hailing China's agreement to reduce barriers that have kept U.S.-made films out of the booming Chinese market.

Vice President Joe Biden says the "breakthrough" accord will ease the way for U.S. studios and independent filmmakers to reach the fast-growing Chinese audience.

The agreement was announced Friday during a California visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, with Biden serving as host.

The industry's chief lobby group, the Motion Picture Association of America, called the deal a "landmark" that will significantly boost U.S. exports to China overall.

U.S. officials first complained to the World Trade Organization in 2007 about film import restrictions, and the WTO ruled in Washington's favor two years later.

(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)