Why was Shang-Chi not approved for screening in China?

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Speculation Points to Racist Origins of Comic Book Character

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has not yet been approved for screening in China, with speculation suggesting that Chinese censors may have taken issue with the perceived racist origins of the film's source material. This situation has been further complicated by recent criticism directed at the film's star, Simu Liu, for a 2017 remark where he referred to China as a third-world country. While no official reason has been provided for the film's delayed release in China, the resurfaced clip of Liu has amplified online backlash, with some social media users in China expressing that the film's non-approval is a positive outcome.
Resurfaced Clip Sparks Backlash Against Simu Liu

Canadian actor Simu Liu, who stars as the titular character in Shang-Chi, has faced significant criticism from Chinese social media users following the recent resurgence of a 2017 interview clip. In the video, Liu, born in China, recounted his parents' descriptions of living conditions in China, stating they came from "the third world where you have people dying of starvation" and viewed Canada as a place offering freedom and a better future. This remark has led to an online storm, with users accusing Liu of insulting China and questioning his identity as an actor portraying a Chinese character.
Film's Absence in China Contrasts North American Success

Despite Shang-Chi achieving a North American box office record during its opening weekend, the film has been notably absent from the Chinese market. This exclusion stands in stark contrast to the film's performance in other regions, highlighting a significant disconnect with one of the world's largest film markets. The lack of an official explanation for this snub has fueled widespread speculation regarding the underlying reasons.
Racist Caricature Concerns Likely Factor

A prominent theory circulating suggests that Chinese censors have taken issue with the origins of the Shang-Chi comic book, particularly the villainous character Wenwu, originally known as the Mandarin. It is widely believed that this character was inspired by Dr. Fu Manchu, a fictional creation now broadly recognised as a racist caricature of Chinese people. This historical context of problematic portrayals in Western media is often a sensitive point for Chinese authorities when considering foreign film releases.

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Why was Shang-Chi not approved for screening in China?

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