China's Foreign Ministry refuted a rumor that the country's media watchdog had set restrictions on Korean dramas, movies and TV shows by requiring Chinese TV stations not to air advertisements casting pop stars from the Republic of Korea (ROK).

"I have never heard about any restriction on the ROK, and the Chinese side is always positive to people-to-people and cultural exchanges with the country," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference on Monday.

But he indicated that exchanges should be based on public support.

When asked whether the rumored drama ban is linked to THAAD, the spokesman replied that the Chinese side's steadfast opposition to the deployment of THAAD by the US in the ROK is well known to all.

"The Chinese public has voiced their dissatisfaction as well. Relevant parties must have taken note of that," he said.