Taipei (AFP) - American rock group Bon Jovi will play an extra gig in Taiwan later this month after two upcoming Chinese concerts were abruptly cancelled, reportedly over the band's use of Dalai Lama imagery in past shows.

Bon Jovi, already scheduled to perform in the capital Taipei on September 28, is adding one more concert, also in Taipei, the following night. It will be the band's first shows on the island in 20 years, according to concert organiser Live Nation.

"Bon Jovi chose to add a show in Taiwan because it's the first place in Asia for tickets to sell out," Live Nation said in a Thursday press release.

The band had been set to play two dates in Beijing and Shanghai but ticket sales were halted with no reason given and the performances scrapped, according to local blogs.

The band featured images of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in a video that played with several concerts -- including one in Washington -- in 2010, according to reports at the time.

A host of foreign artists have been barred from performing in China for political reasons.

Maroon 5 cancelled its China concert in July after authorities refused permission because a band member had met the Dalai Lama.

Chinese officials have been especially sensitive about live concerts since Bjork chanted "Tibet" during her song "Declare Independence" in 2008.

Authorities censor content they deem to be politically sensitive or obscene, while international music acts are required to submit set lists for major concerts in advance.