China tightens rules on performers

Bjork's Tibet protest causes crackdown Icelandic warbler Bjork's call for Tibetan independence activists to stand up, appears to have ruffled feathers in China even more than initially thought after her outburst in March. The Ministry of Culture says any entertainers from foreign countries, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao seeking to perform in China will have their background credentials and management checked more carefully by the culture mandarins. "Those who used to take part in activities that harm our nation's sovereignty are firmly not allowed to perform in China," the rules say. Performers' credit profiles would also be checked, according to the new rules. Encores have to be approved in advance, and the new rules also call for barring performers who "advocate obscenity or feudalism and superstition." References to... [read full story]