Actresses from China National Acrobatic Troupe perfrom in Los Angeles January 4, 2008.

Acrobatic performances that cause discomfort, involve underage performers or ignore safety will be excluded from the 7th National Acrobatic Competition, according to a news release from November 11 in Beijing. This is the first time that China has imposed such restrictions on acrobatic shows.

In fact, the government will push the matter further, and will issue additional laws and regulations to protect acrobatic performers' rights in the future. Among a number of issues to be clarified are a minimum working age for performers and safety insurance.

Sun Zhiqiang from Ministry of Culture revealed that the forthcoming laws and regulations have been discussed extensively by experts and are very likely to come out next year.

Reportedly, China has cancelled teenagers' national acrobatic contests.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the 7th National Acrobatic Competition is to open on November 21 in southeast China's Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. In 36 shows about one thousand performers will compete for the highest awards in the eight-day event, which is held every two years. Demonstrating remarkable skills, the shows will be thrilling and aesthetically exciting, the sponsor said. Additionally, admission will be free to the shows.

(China.org.cn by Pang Li November 12, 2008)