Justin Bieber has been banned from performing in mainland China due to his "bad behaviour" on and off the stage.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture said the ban was necessary to "purify" the country's entertainment industry.

The 23-year-old pop star had numerous run-ins with the law over alleged drunk driving and drag racing charges.

However, the Bieber ban appears to be temporary.

Bieber's ban was made known after a question posted on the Beijing culture bureau's website on July 16, asked why the Canadian singer was not allowed to perform in mainland China as part of his Asia tour in September.

The question read: "Please give a detailed explanation of why Justin Bieber is not allowed to come to China! [He] has won many major awards, which demonstrates his extraordinary talents. Why aren't mainland fans given the right to enjoy his performance?"

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture replied via a statement on July 18 that the reason was due to Bieber's "bad behaviour".

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The statement said:

"We sympathise with your feelings. Justin Bieber is a talented singer but is also a controversial young foreign idol."

"We understand that there are records of his bad behaviour, whether it is in his private life abroad or on stage."

"His inappropriate manner has caused public discontent. In order to regulate the market order of show business in China and purify the market environment, it was decided that performers of inappropriate behaviour will not be welcomed."

In 2013, Bieber offended the Chinese after he was caught on camera being carried up to the Great Wall of China by Chinese bodyguards.

Bieber's tour, to promote his latest album, Purpose, will see him play in Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore.

China has a history of banning artistes previously.

Alternative rock band Placebo has had to cancel its gig at the Summer Sonic Festival in Shanghai in September and faces a lifetime ban from performing in China after posting a picture of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, on the band's official Instagram page.

China considers the monk a dangerous separatist.

Bjork was banned in 2008 after calling for Tibetan independence during a gig in Shanghai.

Maroon 5 and Oasis were also banned after showing support for Tibet.

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