The singer is reported to have been refused a visa – but she’s far from the first western star to be denied entry to the country

Why China has had enough of 'Fruit Sister' Katy Perry

Name: Katy Perry

Age: 33.

Appearance: Blond at the time of going to press.

She changes her look a lot? Possibly hourly.

Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actor.

Where does she ply her trade? Anywhere and everywhere. Except China.

What’s she got against China? Nothing. She’s banned. The Chinese authorities have reportedly refused Perry a visa to perform at a forthcoming Victoria’s Secret fashion show in Shanghai.

What did she do to upset them? She wore a glittery dress with sunflowers all over it.

You mean she was banned on grounds of taste? Not exactly. The dress, which she wore during a 2015 concert in Taipei, appeared to support Taiwanese anti-China protesters, who have a sunflower as their emblem.

Was she trying to be politically provocative? Probably not – the dress had featured in prior shows on the tour – but then she went on to wear a Republic of China – ie Taiwan – flag as a cape.

And the People’s Republic wasn’t happy. They don’t recognise the republic and claim Taiwan as their territory. They’re pretty touchy about that sort of thing.

Have any other entertainers been banned from China? Oh my, yes. Maroon 5 were forced to scrap two concerts in 2015, reportedly after their keyboard player sent a birthday tweet to the Dalai Lama.

Whoops. Lady Gaga was refused entry to China because of her support for Tibet, as were Björk and Oasis. Justin Bieber has also been banned.

What did he get banned for? Non-specific idiocy.

Fair enough. Does Perry have a big following in China? She does. Among her Chinese fanbase she is known affectionately as “Fruit Sister”.

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Why do they call her that? Due to her habit of wearing fruit-themed costumes on stage, and performing with outsize fruit-shaped props.

Does she care if she never goes to China again? It would mean a cut in income – China is a huge market for western entertainers.

What are her chances of getting a visa in the future? Never say never. In July the Chinese culture bureau said: “We hope Justin Bieber is able to improve his conduct as he grows up and will once again find public favour.”

Do say: “Perry deserves the right to free political expression, however inadvertent.”

Don’t say: “Stick to fruit, sister.”