Pentagon refuses collaboration with studios allowing China to censor films.

The Pentagon Takes a Stand Against Chinese Censorship

The Department of Defense announced on Wednesday that it will no longer collaborate with movie producers who give in to Chinese censorship demands. This bold move comes as the Pentagon aims to protect artistic freedom and maintain its integrity.

The Defense Department document, obtained by Politico, states that the DOD “will not provide production assistance when there is demonstrable evidence that the production has complied or is likely to comply with a demand from the Government of the People’s Republic of China … to censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People’s Republic of China.”

Studios often work closely with the Pentagon to film movies in military locations, benefiting from authentic settings and technical expertise. In return, the military benefits from positive portrayals of service members. However, this relationship has come under scrutiny due to concerns about Chinese censorship.

In 2019, Republican lawmakers raised concerns when it was revealed that Paramount had removed the Taiwanese flag from the character Maverick’s jacket in Top Gun: Maverick to appease Chinese censors. Paramount, which had collaborated extensively with the U.S. Navy for the film, eventually reversed its decision and reinstated the Taiwan flag.