China has asked the American news agency USA Today to comply with the former's latest publication distribution requirements and provide a copy of its print product prior to shipment.

The state-owned China National Publications Import and Export Corporation (CNPIEC) on Wednesday requested USA Today to provide an electronic copy of its print before sending them out from Hong Kong, the American media agency said.

Like Us on Facebook

Failure to submit an advance copy for review would delay the paper's release for a day.

CNPIEC was quick to explain the new measures were not a form of censorship and that the practice had already been in place since 2013.

China simply wants to review the material before its distribution, said CNPIEC spokesperson Zhang Yijing on Thursday, adding that the group had no intention to ask for adjustments, changes or revisions made to the print product.

Other news agencies, including the Wall Street Journal Asia, the Financial Times and the International New York Times have been complying with this measure, Zhang added, although he did not elaborate why USA Today had been subjected for review.

Comments from the above-named China-based publications could not be reached for comment.

USA Today editor-in-chief David Calloway issued a statement in response to the new regulation.

The agency will cooperate with Chinese authorities and comply with the law, Calloway declared. However, he said such compliance will be given "under protest." The way with which USA Today's news stories are selected will stay the same, he vowed.

The move comes at a time of ongoing protests in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been clamoring for electoral reform that would abolish Beijing's decision to screen candidates in the 2017 elections.

China has been known for keeping tight reins on local and foreign media. The government regularly issues orders to act as guide coverage on issues which are particularly sensitive in nature, the South China Morning Post relayed.

TagsUSA Today, Wall Street Journal Asia, Financial Times, International New York Times, China National Publications Import and Export Corporation, Media censorship