China puts restrictions on foreign artists

by jessica.lam | July 18, 2008 at 10:30 am | 69 views | add comment

Music has always been a way to carry messages, political, spiritual and everything in between. Bjork reminded the Chinese government in March about what unchecked music and performances can do to incite political problems.

Now China has imposed restrictions on foreign performers to ensure that there will not be any material that would "threaten national sovereignty".

according to the Ministry of Culture, just three weeks ahead of the Olympic Games.

"Art performance groups and individuals that have attended activities that violate the country's sovereignty must not be let in under any circumstance," a statement said without elaborating.

The ruling also applies to performers from Hong Kong and Macau, while the ministry said it would intensify its inspection of the contents of performances by foreigners in China.

Acts must not incite national hatred, seek to destroy the nation's unity or violate religious policies or local customs.

"Performances whose content is not legitimate must not be approved," the statement read.