The rockers were scheduled to hit the stage in Shanghai and Beijing next week (begs14Sep15), but national leaders have reportedly axed the shows after learning the band used a picture of the exiled Buddhist leader during a concert in Taiwan in 2010, according to the Financial Times.

A representative for concert promoter AEG has yet to comment as the company seeks further information.

Bon Jovi is not the only act to upset Chinese officials over their apparent support of the Buddhist guru - earlier this summer (15), Maroon 5's concerts in Shangai and Beijing were reportedly cancelled after band member Jesse Carmichael sent an 80th birthday tweet to the spiritual leader, while singer Bjork was attacked after calling for Tibet's independence during a 2008 show in Shanghai, and Oasis were reportedly forced to cancel shows after Noel Gallagher performed at a Free Tibet concert in New York.

The Dalai Lama is an unpopular figure in China after fleeing to India and establishing a Tibetan government.