People always say their eyes are part of their body they like the best, but I like my nipples. They're very provocative! I'm grateful for the opportunity to show them

She’s hot! But then she would be, because she’s none other than Bai Ling, China’s sexiest export! After an unconventional start to her career (she protested at Tiananmen Square and joined the Chinese army at 14), she left her homeland to study acting at New York University.

Since then, she’s worked with Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and George Lucas, and is currently starring in a gory Asian film as a sexily psychotic chef specialising in horrific food! She spoke to us, despite the language barrier (we can only speak Idiot).

Your shocking new movie Three… Extremes has already been released overseas. How has it been received?

In Hong Kong, it’s very controversial. My segment is very dangerous, and it’s very truthful. It’s a symbolic thing about the meaning of life.

Your character uses very ‘special’ ingredients (ie, horrible ones) to restore women’s beauty. What’s the grossest thing you’ve eaten?

You were the first Asian-born actress to be on the cover of Playboy, but you’re not nearly as well-endowed as most of that magazine’s usual models. Would you ever get plastic surgery?

Our bodies are beautiful. Each individual body is perfect for that person. Nature is the best artist. How can you think a doctor could create a better ‘you’ than nature?

What’s your favourite body part?

People always say their eyes are the part of their body they like the best, but I like my nipples. They’re very provocative! I’m grateful for the opportunity to show them. My parents were intellectuals, and everyone celebrates intellect, but the sexual quality of your being is equally important.

In Anna And The King you had a shaved head. What was that like?

Afterward, I went to Bangkok and a guy picked me up. Then he started freaking out when he touched my breasts, because he thought I was a boy!

You had your Chinese passport revoked and say you lost a role in Kill Bill because they wouldn’t allow you to act in the country. Has that been resolved?

I solved the problem by writing an apology. Now, I’m welcome again in China. I’m always apologising to people – to my parents, to the army, to my government… As a child, I was always offending someone. I’m an American citizen now – I’m all about espresso and cheesecake.

Do you feel comfortable in LA?

• See more Bai Ling at Freeones (external link)