China's broadcasting watchdog has banned all sexually suggestive advertising on radio and television.

Commercials featuring sexually suggestive language or behavior or featuring scantly dressed women were "detrimental to society," the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said in a circular on Tuesday.

All stations are prohibited from broadcasting commercials and programs involving drugs, sex-related health supplements, drugs for sexually transmitted diseases, sex toys, as well as "vulgar" ads for breast enhancement and female underwear, according to the circular.

Commercials in which celebrities testify to the effects of products are also banned.

The SARFT also ordered an end to programs with names including sex-related drugs, products or medical institutions.

"Sexually suggestive ads and bad ads not only mislead consumers seriously and harm public health, but are socially corrupting and morally depraving, and directly discredit the radio and TV industry," the circular said.

In July this year, the SARFT released a notice to stop ads with inappropriate content or sex implications from appearing on TV screens.

A total of 1,466 ads involving two billion yuan (US$267 million) have been removed since August, statistics from the SARFT showed.

The administration warned stations that failed to monitor the quality of commercials and programs would face severe penalties.

Since September 5, China's broadcasting watchdog has punished ten radio stations for talk shows involving sexual topics.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2007)