China To Impose Strict Rules On Musicians Following 'Bjork Outburst'

China will impose strict rules on visiting musicians following Bjork’s cries of ‘Tibet, Tibet’ during a concert in Shanghai.

The singer caused uproar when she made the remarks following her song, ‘Declare Independence’.

The Peoples Republic of China has ruled Tibet since 1951 and conversation about Tibet’s independence is considered a taboo in China.

In a statement on its website, China's culture ministry said Bjork’s remarks "broke Chinese law and hurt Chinese people's feelings".

"We will further tighten controls on foreign artists performing in China in order to prevent similar cases from happening in the future,” it added.

Bjork has since said that as a musician “I feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions".

Speaking about the song, ‘Declare Independence’, she explained: “This song was written more with the personal in mind.

"But the fact that it has translated to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much pleasure."

Many political officials and activists have criticised the Chinese government’s policy in Tibet, whilst many Tibetans still have an allegiance to their exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

(by Jason Gregory)

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