Hopes that China will implement a film rating system have been raised as drafting of the Film Promotion Law has been finalized and submitted to China's State Council for approval.

The draft was drawn up by the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

According to Zheng Dongtian, a member of SARFT's film censorship committee, and a professor at the Beijing Film Academy, the new Film Promotion Law will include a film rating system based on content.

SARFT's draft proposes a two-category rating system: films for all age groups and films unsuitable for teenagers and children.

Currently, there is no film rating system in China. Films are required to be suitable for all age groups in order to receive a screening permit in China.

The possible film rating system was outlined by Zheng at a conference for Chinese-language filmmakers earlier this week in Hong Kong.

According to Zheng, introducing a film rating system would allow more diverse films into the market while protecting children from potential harmful content.

In 2008, Warner Bros' worldwide hit Dark Knight and Jackie Chan action flick Shinjuku Incident were both rejected by censors as being inappropriate for children.

SARFT officials in Beijing declined to reveal more details of the draft film promotion law.

However, the government agency has announced the main directions of the regulation on its website, which also include further support for local film productions.

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