**Actor Zheng Shuang’s surrogacy scandal reveals murky aspects of China’s entertainment industry**
**By Nectar Gan, CNN**
(CNN)Chinese authorities are investigating popular actress Zheng Shuang on suspicion of signing illegal surrogacy contracts in the United States, amid a growing public outcry over the incident. Zheng, 29, is one of China’s most famous actresses, with over 30 million followers on social media. She has starred in several popular TV series and movies, and is known for her innocent and wholesome image.
The scandal erupted in January, when Zheng’s ex-boyfriend, Zhang Heng, accused her of abandoning their two children, who were born to a surrogate mother in the United States. Zheng has denied the allegations, but the incident has sparked a heated debate about surrogacy and the ethics of the entertainment industry in China.
Surrogacy is illegal in China, although it is widely practiced in other countries. There are no clear laws governing surrogacy in the US, and it is not illegal for Chinese citizens to seek surrogacy services there. However, Chinese authorities have cracked down on surrogacy in recent years, and it is now considered a crime to arrange or participate in surrogacy contracts.
The Zheng Shuang scandal has highlighted the murky legal and ethical landscape surrounding surrogacy in China. It has also raised questions about the role of celebrities in Chinese society and the extent to which they should be held accountable for their actions.
**A murky legal landscape**
The legal status of surrogacy in China is complex and unclear. There is no specific law that explicitly prohibits surrogacy, but it is generally considered to be illegal under the country’s Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations.
These regulations state that ART can only be used for the purpose of treating infertility, and that it is illegal to use ART for any other purpose, such as surrogacy. However, there is no clear definition of what constitutes infertility, and some experts argue that surrogacy could be considered a legitimate treatment for certain types of infertility.
The lack of clear laws governing surrogacy has created a legal gray area, which has allowed surrogacy to flourish in China. It is estimated that there are thousands of surrogacy agencies operating in China, and that thousands of Chinese couples have used surrogacy to have children.
However, the Zheng Shuang scandal has highlighted the risks associated with surrogacy in China. Zheng and her ex-boyfriend are both facing criminal charges, and it is possible that other people involved in the case could also be prosecuted.
**The role of celebrities**
Celebrities play a significant role in Chinese society. They are often seen as role models and are held to a high standard of conduct. The Zheng Shuang scandal has raised questions about the extent to which celebrities should be held accountable for their actions.
Some people argue that celebrities should be held to a higher standard than ordinary citizens, because they have a greater influence on society. Others argue that celebrities are entitled to the same privacy and legal protections as everyone else.
The Zheng Shuang scandal has sparked a debate about the role of celebrities in Chinese society and the extent to which they should be held accountable for their actions.
**Conclusion**
The Zheng Shuang surrogacy scandal has revealed the murky legal and ethical landscape surrounding surrogacy in China. It has also raised questions about the role of celebrities in Chinese society and the extent to which they should be held accountable for their actions.
The scandal is likely to have a significant impact on the entertainment industry in China. It is possible that the government will crack down on surrogacy and other unethical practices in the industry. It is also possible that celebrities will be held to a higher standard of conduct in the future.
Only time will tell what the long-term impact of the Zheng Shuang scandal will be. However, it is clear that the scandal has already had a significant impact on the Chinese entertainment industry and has raised important questions about the role of celebrities in Chinese society..
