Tibetan artist Tashi Norbu's Macau performance canceled following Chinese government intervention

Chinese authorities pressured the cancellation of Tibetan artist Tashi Norbu's live painting performance in Macau. The event, scheduled for late February in a public square to mark the opening of IaoHin Gallery's new space, was called off one day prior. Beijing officials threatened deportation if Norbu entered the Chinese Special Administrative Region. Earlier warnings from state officials prohibited Buddhist imagery and Tibetan identity in his work. Norbu told Radio Free Asia that a Chinese official claimed his display would oppose the government. IaoHin Gallery advised him to leave Hong Kong, citing inability to assume responsibility for his safety. The Netherlands-based artist departed for India immediately after the cancellation.