Leading Chinese film director Zhang Yimou has admitted breaking China’s family planning policy by having extramarital children, adding he is ready to face any penalty with the regard.

Zhang's verified microblog account, Yimou Studio, said on Wednesday night that he was cooperating with investigations into him by authorities. The online post also said the director did not regret giving up his U.S. green card years ago, since he claims he is Chinese and wants his children to be Chinese citizens, too.

The media earlier speculated that Zhang is likely to face a fine up to 240 million yuan (US$39 million). Online fans noted that Zhang might have escaped the punishment if he had retained his U.S. permanent residence.