China is continuing its campaign against Western pop muisc by banning some songs of Lady Gaga and Kate Perry for their "vulgar" lyrics.

Recently, the Ministry of Culture's censorship bureau has released an official blacklist of songs that cannot be aired, listened or streamed in the country. Six of the songs in Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" album are included in the list, but not the title track, which has become a gay anthem. Perry's "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" is also in the list because of its lyrics that say "ménage a trios" and "streaking in the park."

More surprising is the inclusion of a 12-year-old Backstreet Boys song, "I Want It That Way," for its lyrics "You are my fire/ the one desire."

According to a report by The Guardian, the record companies affected have until Sept.15 to appeal the ruling before the songs will be removed from Chinese music and streaming sites.

China is no novice at such tactics. Guns and Roses' 2008 record "Chinese Democracy" was also banned, for obvious reasons, and Tibetan rapper Tashi Dhondup was imprisoned for 10 months last year for recording "subversive" and "rebellious" songs. Last May, the Chinese government also banned a Mongolian hip hop protest song dedicated to a Mongolian herder who was killed by a Chinese coal mining truck.

The bans are often puzzling and inconsistent. A 12-year-old song from a defunct boy band is out, along with a seemingly harmless song by Owl City with the lyrics "Your spirit is sweet, so pull off your sheet," while more explicit material from Nicki Minaj and Drake is allowed.

Watch the video of Katy Perry's Last Friday Night (TGIF) below:

Watch Lady Gaga's official video for Born This Way:

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