Tyson-starring action film 'China Salesman' to hit big screens

BEIJING - The Chinese action film "China Salesman" starring Li Dongxue, Mike Tyson, Steven Seagal and Janicke Askevold will hit Chinese mainland cinemas next Wednesday, the film's director and producer said.

The film tells the story of Yan Jian, a Chinese engineer who explores faraway markets in Africa and wins contracts with remarkable courage and wisdom.

"Yan epitomizes the spirit of hard-working Chinese and paints a true picture of Chinese salesmen overseas in our times," said the film's director Tan Bing in a press event in Beijing.

Tan said the film also captured China's emergence in the global high-tech scenes and the rise of Chinese multinational companies.

Zhao Jianguo, the producer, said the film is based on true stories. The cast and production team has visited Chinese companies in more than 10 countries in Africa and Europe, Zhao said, adding that they were deeply touched by the hard work and achievements of the Chinese who work for their companies' international businesses.

"China Salesman" enters the market more than a year after another Africa-themed Chinese action film -- "Wolf Warrior 2" -- set domestic box office records.

Raking in 5.68 billion yuan ($829 million) in ticket sales in 2017, the film tells the fictional story of a former Chinese Special Forces' operative who ventures into Africa's war-torn regions, defeating mercenaries and rebels to rescue fellow Chinese and their downtrodden local friends.