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The China Federation of Literary and Art Circles published a resolution on professional ethics for China's literary and art industry on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to avoid misconduct like tax evasion, gambling and using drugs, to build a healthy entertainment industry. The federation also selected 44 outstanding figures as role models.

The resolution listed several types of misconduct in the entertainment industry that should be avoided.

Literary and art workers should resolutely resist committing illegal acts such as tax evasion, soliciting prostitutes, gambling and abusing drugs, and oppose pompous exhibition of wealth and comparing luxury items with others, the resolution noted.

It also requested the promotion of brilliant Chinese traditional culture and asked not to follow overseas trends blindly. 

The resolution also advocated the creation of film and TV works about realistic themes that praise a positive spirit. 

This trend of productions that tell stories grounded in reality has been felt by industry insiders. 

Chinese director Teng Huatao, well known for his realistic TV dramas, told the Global Times on Wednesday that this trend shows how the creative capabilities of people in Chinese literary and artistic fields are growing stronger.

"Resolutely resist plagiarism and making low-quality works and oppose only focusing on box office revenue and gaining attention," the resolution added.

The resolution is most likely a response to scandals in the industry in recent years, as several entertainers have been strongly condemned or punished by the law because of misconduct cases that the resolution outlined. 

Tax evasion is one of the most rampant problems in the Chinese entertainment industry as was the case of Chinese actor Deng Lun, who was recently punished for tax evasion and fined 106 million yuan ($16.6 million) , the Shanghai tax authorities released on March 15.

Before Deng, in December, 2021, China's top livestreamer Huang Wei, also known as Viya, was fined 1.34 billion yuan ($ 211 million) for dodging taxes. In August 2021, Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was ordered to pay 299 million yuan ($36,000) in fines, taxes and penalties for tax evasion. Furthermore, in 2018, Fan Bing Bing's tax evasion case shocked the whole country.

Drug scandals involving Chinese celebrities like singer Li Daimo and actor Kai Ko, have also been black marks on the industry. 

Shi Wenxue, a cultural critic in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the resolution can help establish standards for the industry and play a supervisory role. 

Shi mentioned the selection of role models previously launched by the federation, considering that the standards and the selection of exemplar figures are a system to regulate the industry.

"The resolution tells industry insiders what they can do and what they cannot, while the 44 role models with brilliant professional ethics set a good example for other entertainers," Shi said.

To further cultivate professional excellence, moral integrity and high-quality literary and artistic talent, Chinese authorities selected 44 literary and art figures who meet the standards for role models of the industry. The list includes actors Wu Jing and Huang Bo.

The 44 candidates were chosen based on recommendations, opinions and strict examinations.

Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, said that he thinks the selection and commendation process will have a positive influence on the industry and society, and the move "is necessary," he told the Global Times.