The CCTV sports channel announced in a statement on Tuesday that it has suspended broadcasts of National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason games.

Adam Silver, commissioner of the National Basketball Association. [File Photo: IC]

The statement comes after NBA commissioner Adam Silver voiced his support for the Houston Rockets general manager, Daryl Morey, who recently posted a tweet voicing support for the violent protests in Hong Kong.

The channel, which is part of China Media Group, said that any remarks that challenge a country's sovereignty or stability don't fall within the scope of freedom of speech. It also said that it will review all of its cooperation programs with the NBA.