Members of the Property Choose Committee on the Chinese Communist Celebration program to meet this week with Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger and Apple CEO Tim Cook, as effectively as screenwriters and other studio executives.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has previously mentioned that he wanted Iger to testify more than Disney’s business enterprise dealings in the nation, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. In an look on Face the Nation in February, Gallagher mentioned, “I feel we can have a productive conversation with firms that have substantial business enterprise interests in China, and we want to make confident that the energy of the Chinese economy is not seducing specific firms into betraying American values.”
Disney and other studios have been criticized by lawmakers for self-censorship of films as a way of gaining entry into the Chinese marketplace. In the Face the Nation interview, Gallagher mentioned that “we just want to make confident that American firms are acting like Americans and embracing American values like — like absolutely free speech and plurality and items like that. So that is the concern.”
Axios initial reported on the meetings, and that Iger’s is scheduled for Wednesday. A supply familiar with the plans confirmed the plans. The lawmakers also program to meet with venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
A tiny-publicized provision of a lately passed defense bill restricts the U.S. government from spending funds on films that, to get Chinese authorities’ green light, are altered in the face of Chinese government dictates. Hollywood is nevertheless assessing the influence of the provision as the Defense Division draws up suggestions.
The China pick committee’s initial hearing in February was notable for the bipartisan concern that members showed toward China. Final month, members of each parties grilled Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew more than the Chinese influence on that platform. Some lawmakers are calling for a ban on the app.