China Denies Talk Of Tougher Restrictions On Musicians

Officials in China have said western musicians will not face tighter restrictions following the much publicised Bjork concert in Shanghai recently.

During her performance the Icelandic singer shouted “Tibet, Tibet” during the track ‘Declare Independence’ in support of the calls for independence for the territory.

In response China’s Culture Ministry last week it would tighten controls over foreign artists as a result because Bjork’s actions had “broken Chinese law”.

However, today the Vice Minister of Culture Zhou Heping told reporters that this would not be the case.

He said: "It was just an individual case. I don't think it will affect our invitation of artists from all over the world to come to China and perform, particularly during the Olympic Games.”

He did add that the performance of ‘Declare Independence’ had "caused dissatisfaction among the broader Chinese audience".

Chinese officials regularly check set lists before artists perform and block them from performing songs which "harms national unity".

(by Daniel Melia)

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