Bieber banned from performing in China

BEIJING — China’s capital will not invite Justin Bieber to perform in the country because of what it called his past “bad behaviour,” although it conceded that the Canadian singer is talented.

In response to a question from a purported fan on its website, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture said it was acting in the interest of imposing standards and order and “cleaning up” the domestic performance market.

Bieber’s “bad behaviour,” including in his private life abroad and while in China to perform, had caused “public dissatisfaction,” the bureau said. It did not provide details.

Bieber performed in Beijing, Shanghai and the eastern city of Dalian in 2013.

“Justin Bieber is a young foreign singer who is talented at singing, but also controversial,” the bureau said.

“Therefore, it’s not appropriate to bring in artists who show bad behaviour.

“However, in the process of growing up and improving his words and deeds, he can truly develop into a singer who is beloved of the masses.”

Bieber, 23, has had several run-ins with police around the world.

During his 2013 visit to China he drew criticism when pictures showed him being carried up the Great Wall of China by a pair of bodyguards.

Bieber’s Purpose World Tour wraps up in Asia in September with performances in Tokyo, the Chinese semi-autonomous region of Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.