Hollywood action movie Chaos will open at cinemas in Beijing. Charged for income-tax evasion, leading actor Wesley Snipes cannot come to Beijing to attend the movie premiere. Formerly the Chinese distribution company said that the whole production team would come to Beijing, including actor Snipes and Jason Statham. Snipes said he looked forward to his first trip to China, but now, their trip has to be cancelled.

The 44-year-old was charged last October with fraudulently claiming refunds totalling nearly $12 million in 1996 and 1997 on income taxes already paid, among other charges. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.

(China Daily 03/07/2007 page3)