China "Regrets" Spielberg Action

China has expressed regret over film director Steven Spielberg's decision to pull out as artistic adviser to the Beijing Olympics over the Darfur issue.

The foreign ministry said "ulterior motives" may be behind criticism of its links with Sudan.
The director said his conscience would not allow him to continue in his role.

China has strong economic and military ties with Sudan, which campaigners say it should use to put pressure on Khartoum to resolve the Darfur crisis.

A UK newspaper has published a letter from 80 Nobel laureates and artists urging Beijing to help end the conflict.

Mr Spielberg's announcement late on Tuesday is Beijing's first big setback in staging the Olympics, analysts say.

The renowned director, who had been brought in as artistic adviser for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games, said his conscience would not allow him to continue in the role.

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Steven Spielberg, who was once a strong supporter and even the artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics, but he has now decided to back out. Due to the fact that China is not doing enough to solve the problem in China's strong economic and military partner Sudan, having to do with Darfur. The Chinese say this is the first set back for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

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China's dilemma over Darfur

China has worked hard over the past few months to show it is doing all it can to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

It has appointed a special envoy, sent peacekeeping troops to the region and embarked on a publicity campaign to persuade others it is being responsible.

This was done in part to prevent anyone linking China's close relationship with Sudan to the Olympics Games.

But for Steven Spielberg it was still not enough.

His decision to withdraw as artistic adviser to the Games' opening and closing ceremonies will be seen as a huge blow.

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Beijing and Khartoum have always had economic and military ties, and now, there is a crisis in Sudan's Darfur region. China imports two thirds of Sudanese oil estimated at 500,000 barrels a day. China is also Sudan's largest arms supplier, indirectly linking China to this crisis. China wants to be seen as a "responsible" nation because of the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing. However, Steven Spielberg thinks China isn't doing enough to resolve the crisis and has withdrawn as the artistic advisor for the Olympics.

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