The Oscar winner accuses the country of not doing enough to pressure the Sudan into ending the “continuing human suffering” in its Darfur region.

China has extensive investments and influence in the Sudan.

“I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual,” Spielberg said.

“My time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur.”

Mr Spielberg, 60, was artistic adviser for the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies.

Hollywood stars Mia Farrow and George Clooney, campaigners for refugees in Darfur and around the world, are said to have urged him to pull out.

“He will certainly go down in history as someone who gave human lives precedence over fame and money,” the Sudan Liberation Movement said yesterday.