China tells Britney to 'cover up'

Britney is known for her raunchy stage costumes

Britney Spears' first concerts in China have been approved by its culture ministers, on condition that she does not reveal too much skin onstage.

Spears is due to perform five concerts in Shanghai and Beijing later this year as part of her current world tour.

But her sexual image has concerned the communist state, and her stage outfits face "strict reviews", China News Service (CNS) reported.

The singer's spokesman was unavailable for comment.

Standards

Culture officials have asked the Chinese organisers of the concerts to guarantee Spears does not show "too much" skin, CNS said.

It was not clear what standards inspectors would use or how they would be enforced.

The head of the Chinese culture ministry's performance division, Pan Yan, said she had not received a performance application and could not comment on the report.

Having sold more than 54 million records sold worldwide, Spears would be one of the biggest international pop stars to perform in China.

Last year the Rolling Stones abandoned attempts to perform in China, saying it had been too complicated and difficult to arrange concerts there.

The group had been due to play in Beijing and Shanghai last April, but the gigs were postponed because of the Sars crisis.