Apple goes down in China: Company's online services go offline as government apparently blocks iTunes and iBooks

Apple has said that it is looking to get service restored in what is its second largest market, after the US

Workers prepare for the opening of a new Apple store in Hangzhou, China (Reuters)

Apple is looking to get its online services switched back on after they went offline in what is its second largest market.

iTunes and iBooks are now unaccessible after apparently being blocked by parts of the Chinese government.

The New York Times reported Thursday that Apple's online movie and book stores initially received government approval but were blocked last week on orders from the broadcasting regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Apple said in a statement emailed Friday that it hoped the services could resume "as soon as possible," but offered no details about the shutdown.

The broadcasting regulator has been stretching its authority to online content, which is also regulated by other government agencies and ministries. Calls to the administration's media office rang unanswered Friday.

China is Apple's second largest market after the U.S.

Additional reporting by Associated Press