China Re-Opens Its Doors To Taiwan Singing Star A-Mei

The Chinese government is reportedly ending a yearlong de-facto ban on concerts in the country by Taiwanese vocalist A-Mei. The ban was imposed following the artist's performance of Taiwan's national anthem at Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian's inauguration in May 2000. A-Mei is expected to give two charity concerts in China in mid-July. She recently performed at a charity dinner in Hong Kong, in a move seen as a prelude to the end of the ban.

A huge star in her homeland, A-Mei was formerly with Taiwan label Forward Music but has inked a new deal with the Warner Music International (WMI) regional office in Hong Kong. "We are very keen to continue developing her to the next level," says WMI regional marketing VP Calvin Wong, adding that A-Mei's first Warner album is expected in October.