Back in March, we were honoured to be given Bjork's very first post-Tibet-controversy interview (see the video below for a reminder of what caused the fuss in the first place).

In belated response, the Chinese government this week issued a blanket ban on all entertainers from overseas who have ever taken part in activities that "threaten national sovereignty". Reuters has a full run-through of the new draconian laws:

"Any artistic group or individual who have ever engaged in activities which threaten our national sovereignty will not be allowed in," the Ministry of Culture said in a statement on its website (www.ccnt.com.cn).

During performances, entertainers who "threaten national unity", "whip up ethnic hatred", "violate religious policy or cultural norms" or "advocate obscenity or feudalism and superstition", will also be banned, the rules state.

The new rules come on top of Beijing banning pop festivals and tightening approvals for outdoor events in the months leading up to the Olympics, where it fears security threats from unruly crowds and potential protesters.

Even encores need to be approved in advance, the ministry added.

"Nothing that has not been approved will be allowed to be performed," it said.

It says a lot about Bjork, that one word whispered three times could have such an enormous effect on international policy, but it's also mightily impressive that she could be considered so threatening.

The Lipster: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Bjork's first interview about China, censorship and "Tibet, Tibet"

Reuters: China targets foreign entertainers after Bjork debacle

Idolator: Don't declare independence