Recently, mainstream media (MSM) outlets have blamed former President Donald Trump for China’s reported move to limit the number of U.S. movies allowed in its theaters. However, the full story reveals a far more complex picture. For years, China has already imposed strict restrictions on Hollywood films—capping foreign releases at around 30 per year, requiring government approval, and limiting revenue sharing to just 25% of box office sales.

Censorship plays a major role too. For example, Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home was denied release in mainland China because Sony reportedly refused to minimize scenes featuring the Statue of Liberty. The result? Major Hollywood films often don’t even make it past China’s censors.

Despite media hysteria, industry insiders suggest the impact of any new restrictions will be minimal. Hollywood’s revenues from China have already been declining since 2019, and blockbuster films like Avatar and Mission: Impossible are still expected to be shown. Smaller films—those less likely to perform well anyway—are the ones most affected.

Moreover, critics wrongly blame Trump for production moving overseas. In reality, high costs, taxes, and regulations—especially in California—have driven filmmakers abroad. Ironically, Trump tried to reverse this trend by appointing Hollywood ambassadors, including Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, to help bring production back to the U.S.

In short, China’s move is more symbolic than strategic. The MSM’s narrative doesn’t reflect the deeper economic, political, and cultural dynamics at play—and certainly doesn’t tell the full story.