A woman checks messages on her cell phone yesterday in front of promotional posters for foreign-made movies in Beijing. China said it “regretted” a World Trade Organization decision ordering it to ease some of its restrictions on foreign films, music and print. [Global Times]

China yesterday downplayed the impact of a WTO decision in favor of a US complaint over China's imports and distribution of publications and audiovisual products, saying it is still difficult for the US to win the lion's share of the cultural market of the largest developing country.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement yesterday that China regretted that the WTO dispute panel did not reject the US complaint, insisting that China had provided ample market access to foreign publications, films and audiovisual products, with all its measures in compliance with WTO regulations.

"China will conscientiously assess the ruling report by the expert panel and does not exclude the possibility of appealing on China's points of concern," the statement said.

The case, dating back to 2007, involves publications such as books and newspapers, audio and video products such as films, CDs and DVDs, and video games and music-download services.

The WTO panel said Wednesday that certain measures by China constitute restrictions on imports of such products and violate WTO terms, as do restrictions that prevent foreign suppliers from distributing their own products in China.

The WTO didn't overturn the annual import quota of foreign films or China's right to keep out foreign films it finds objectionable, and it disagreed with a US claim that China's criminal laws covering piracy are inadequate.

Nevertheless, the US immediately hailed the ruling as a significant victory for America's creative industries," which, it said, established that "China Film will no longer be the monopoly importer," creating other possible import channels into the nation.

China sets the quota of imported "revenue-sharing" films at 20 each year, which applies to China Film Group and requires all movies to be distributed by one of two State-owned enterprises – China Film or Huaxia.

An official with the Film Bureau at the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) declined to comment yesterday, citing the sensitivity of the WTO negotiations.

China will appeal the decision within 20-60 days, during which time the ruling will be put up for adoption by WTO members.