Actress Gal Gadot arrives at the Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Wonder Woman' at the Pantages Theatre on May 25, 2017 in Hollywood, China Central Television (CCTV) announced Wednesday that it would broadcast a US movie on the same night. California. Photo:VCG

China Central Television (CCTV) announced Wednesday that it would broadcast a US movie on the same night, just one day after the meeting between top leaders from China and the US. The move was seen as a step to improve relations amid tensions between the two powers.

CCTV's movie channel announced it would show DC superhero blockbuster Wonder Woman as part of the channel's "special screening zone."

At the virtual meeting between the top leaders of the world's two major powers on Tuesday, China and the US agreed on two principles: the need to reject a new cold war and reaffirming the importance of China-US relations.

Burlington Arcade in London launches 007 installation to welcome the delayed release of 'No Time to Die'. Photo: Courtesy of Burlington Arcade

In addition to the move from the state broadcaster, two Western blockbusters - the James Bond film No Time to Die and sci-fi epic Dune - had their time allotted for screening in the Chinese mainland extended until December 21.

Hollywood sci-fi epic Dune.Photo:VCG

 Insiders said the move could imply an easing of relations between the two countries.

It can be seen as creating an environment of "cooperation and pragmatic relations" between China and the US, "but that's it," Jia Qingguo, professor of the School of International Studies and director of the Institute of Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"The decisions over films and television are not as hard as issues involving national security and the economy. So I think it can be seen as a gesture of goodwill and a loosening of tensions," said Jia.

"But that's it, and that's all, given that it is only one movie (on CCTV) and today is the second day after the meeting. We can't decide on further moves over collaboration," said Jia. Other experts also remained only cautiously optimistic about China-US relations.

Shi Chuan, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Film Association, was also uncertain about there being "an easier relationship" between the two countries. Shi told the Global Times on Wednesday that Wonder Woman is one of the US movies that CCTV bought the copyright to a long time ago, and that "China and US relations have little to do with it."

"However, one can't rule out that China's film and television industry is showing a softer tone toward Hollywood, given the decision to extend the two movies' screening time," Shi said.