Zheng Shuang Photo:VCG

High-profile Chinese actress Zheng Shuang's ex-partner Zhang Heng announced on Thursday that he had won what he called "Parenting Solo Decision-Making Authority" of their two surrogatedchildren in the US, adding that he was willing to accept any punishment for the surrogacy, which is illegal in China.

Zhang posted on Sina Weibo that he had just received the notice from the US court on Thursday, saying that it supported his claim and that he was being granted sole custody of his daughter and son. The court also granted Zheng visitation rights.

In the post, Zhang said he was grateful for the court's decision and wrote he believed Zheng would fulfill her responsibilities and obligations as a mother in the future. 

Zhang once accused Zheng of abandoning their two children in the US and evading taxes due from her the sky-high 160 million yuan ($24.62 million) paid for her role in a TV series. 

Photo: Sina Weibo

China's Criminal Law stipulates that people may face a sentence of no more than five years for committing the crime of abandonment, including refusing to fulfill his or her duty to support an aged or sick person, a minor, or any other person who cannot live independently.

The hashtag "Zhang Heng wins sole custody of his daughter and son" quickly began trending on Sina Weibo, earning 460 million views by Thursday noon. Most netizens said they hope the two children will be "happy and healthy."

"In the US, 'Parenting Solo Decision-Making Authority' means Zhang has the sole right to raise the two children, but at the same time he has the obligation that his decisions should benefit the healthy growth of the children," Zhang Qihuai, an attorney from the Beijing Lanpeng Law Firm, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

He pointed out that the Chinese mainland does not have the sole custody and that according to the law significant decisions need to be made by both parties rather than one side. 

Zhang also apologized to his parents and to the public for the surrogacy, which may be legal in the US, but is against the law in China. 

"I am willing to accept any punishment from my country and by the law, as well as all criticisms from everyone, sorry," he wrote.