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Censorship of U.S. movies in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xuhao(Harry) Pan

    (George Mason University)

  • Tim Groseclose

    (George Mason University)

  • Tyler Cowen

    (George Mason University)

Abstract

We introduce a structural econometric model to estimate the extent to which the Chinese government bans U.S. movies. According to our estimates, if a movie has characteristics similar to the median movie in our sample, then the probability is approximately 0.91 that the Chinese government will ban it. During our sample period, 1994–2019, U.S. movies comprised about 28 percent of the Chinese market and sales were about $22.6 billion. However, according to our estimates, if the Chinese government had not banned any U.S. movies, then the latter numbers would have risen to 68 percent and $45.1 billion.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuhao(Harry) Pan & Tim Groseclose & Tyler Cowen, 2025. "Censorship of U.S. movies in China," Journal of Cultural Economics, Springer;The Association for Cultural Economics International, vol. 49(1), pages 163-192, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jculte:v:49:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10824-023-09498-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10824-023-09498-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tim Groseclose & Jeffrey Milyo, 2005. "A Measure of Media Bias," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 120(4), pages 1191-1237.
    2. Matthew Gentzkow & Jesse M. Shapiro, 2010. "What Drives Media Slant? Evidence From U.S. Daily Newspapers," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 78(1), pages 35-71, January.
    3. Bueno De Mesquita, Bruce & Morrow, James D. & Siverson, Randolph M. & Smith, Alastair, 2002. "Political Institutions, Policy Choice and the Survival of Leaders," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 32(4), pages 559-590, October.
    4. Feinstein, Jonathan S, 1990. "Detection Controlled Estimation," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(1), pages 233-276, April.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • L88 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Government Policy
    • F52 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - National Security; Economic Nationalism
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights

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