Icelandic singer Bjork upset Chinese officials last Sunday in Shaghai when she shouted “Tibet, Tibet” after performing her song “Declare Independence.” The incident has caused China to tighten its restrictions on foreign performers.

China’s Ministry of Culture responded to Bjork’s action on Friday by posting a statement on its Web site, saying that she “broke Chinese law and hurt Chinese people’s feelings,” The Associated Press reported. Bjork has sung the song before in support of independence movements; performing in Japan in February, she dedicated it to Kosovo. [NY Times]

China invaded Tibet in 1951 and claims the province as part of its own historical territory. Human rights advocates disapprove of Beijing’s treatment of Tibetans, and many Western artists have rallied to the Dalai Lama’s cause, calling on China to liberate the Himalayan region. As performers in The Tibetan Freedom concert Bjork and many other artists like Beastie Boys, Tribe Called Quest, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers have been supporters of the free Tibet movement.

For more on Free Tibet and to get involved in the cause visit http://www.freetibet.org/