Geneva - The U.S. Trade Representative said that China discriminates against the release of American music and movies in the country, and may include the allegations in its complaint against China filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Associated Press reported.

A request for consultation with China filed with the WTO cited "less favorable distribution opportunities" for U.S. movie and music distributors, including Apple's iTunes Store.

"Music from foreign sources needs to undergo content review before being distributed in China. Chinese music doesn't have to face that process," Stephen Norton, a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), told AP.

"The review delays Chinese Internet providers and Chinese consumers from accessing foreign music."

Likewise, "imported films can be distributed within China only by two entities and only on a nationwide basis," reads a U.S. statement to the WTO, which adds that these restrictions "appear to be inconsistent with China's obligations."

The two countries will now have 60 days to try to resolve the matters, after which time the U.S. may ask the WTO to establish an investigative panel to rule on the complaint, the USTR's Norton told AP.

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