China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has released draft rules for public consultation that would introduce a tiered regulatory framework for micro short dramas based on investment size and subject matter.

Under the proposed rules, productions would be classified into three categories, with different filing, disclosure and distribution licensing requirements. High-budget productions or those involving topics such as politics, national security, military affairs, religion, ethnic affairs, diplomacy, law enforcement and the judiciary would be subject to stricter oversight.

The regulator said detailed classification standards would be formulated separately and adjusted in line with industry developments.