Radiohead have launched their own microblog in China, even though the British band oppose the country's human rights and censorship policies.

Associated Press reported yesterday that the rock group had created a page on the Twitter-like "weibo" website, which is run by Chinese online media outfit Sina Corp.

So far, Radiohead have posted just one message on the site that reads: "testing the weibo".

Around 50,000 people in China have already started following the group's microblog. In the past, Radiohead have been vocal in their opposition to Beijing's policies.

The Oxford rock band, fronted by lead singer Thom Yorke, performed at Free Tibet concerts late last year.

They've also campaigned for the release of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, notes the AP.

Such outspoken political comments would not, however, get past Sina's 100-strong team of censors, who monitor content on the company's weibo site 24 hours a day.

But Radiohead's decision to operate within the Great Firewall of China, despite the obvious freedom of expression restrictions, demonstrates their desire to reach out to that market. ®