The ruling largely upholds the U.S. allegations that certain Chinese measures constituted restrictions to the imports of such products and are inconsistent with WTO regulations.

In response, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement published on its website on Thursday that China felt regrettable that the panel had not rejected the U.S. complaint about the imports and distributions of foreign publications and audiovisual products.

The statement said that China has provided ample market access to foreign publications, films and audiovisual products, and all its measures are in compliance with WTO regulations.

China will conscientiously assess the ruling report by the expert panel and does not exclude the possibility of appealing on China's points of concern, the statement said.

China can appeal against the decision in 20 to 60 days during which the ruling will be put up for adoption by WTO members.

The U.S. litigation at the WTO was initiated in 2007, and a WTO expert panel was established in November the same year to investigate the case.