Zhang Yimou: Reports about the film director fathering three children has casused public outcry. Photo provided to China Daily

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More than half of the respondents said they believe Zhang procrastinated in responding to the public outcry toward his actions and that he apologized only under growing social pressure.

The family planning bureau in Binhu district, Wuxi, where Zhang's wife hails from, started an investigation in May. But it was not until early this month that Zhang publicly admitted having three children and apologized. He has received no punishment yet.

Gu Xiaoming, a sociologist from Fudan University in Shanghai, said Zhang should be heavily punished as he has set a bad example.

On Wednesday, Zhang responded to questions such as why he did not opt for emigration, saying "he wants his children to remain Chinese".

Some Chinese celebrities evade the family planning policy by having foreign citizenship or giving birth outside the Chinese mainland.

Meanwhile, the family planning authority in Wuxi said it is investigating how Zhang managed to get hukou, or permanent residence permits, for his three children.

According to family planning regulations in Jiangsu province, couples who violate the policies have to pay fines five to eight times the average annual income of the area where the children were born.

If a couple's annual income is more than double the area's average income, the couple will be subject to additional fines. The amount of any fine varies in different counties or cities.

Cang Wei in Nanjing contributed to this story.

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