China has banned a Nike television commercial showing U.S. basketball star LeBron James in a battle with an animated cartoon kung fu master, saying the ad insults Chinese national dignity.

The State Administration for Radio, Film and Television posted a statement on its website Monday, saying the advertisement violates regulations that mandate that all advertisements in China should uphold national dignity and interest and respect national culture.

It also goes against rules that require ads not to contain content that insults national practices and cultures. The ad has received an indignant response from Chinese viewers.

Nike spokesman Maurice Zhou says the company has no response except to say that it will respect the government's decision.

The commercial, titled "Chamber of Fear," was broadcast on local Chinese stations and on state television's national sports channel before being pulled last month.

The commercial shows James in a video game-style setting defeating the kung fu master, two women in traditional Chinese attire and a pair of dragons, considered a sacred symbol in traditional Chinese culture.

Source: CRI