The orchestra did not give a specific reason for the cancellation, but said it had held discussions with the singer's representatives due to "concerns in the society".

Netrebko withdrew from New York's Metropolitan Opera in March last year after the premier opera house announced it would not work with artists who supported Putin after he launched the war on Ukraine a month earlier.

She subsequently condemned the war, but her upcoming concert in Taipei still drew criticism in Taiwan, where residents have voiced support for Ukraine.

Taiwan lives under constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has stoked fears that Beijing might move similarly towards the island.

Taiwan's culture ministry indicated support for the orchestra's cancellation, telling semi-official Central News Agency "there is no room for vagueness about Taiwan's attitude on the war".