China announced on April 14 that it will impose visa restrictions on certain U.S. individuals accused of misconduct related to Tibet, escalating tensions over the long-standing issue, Reuters reported.
The announcement, made during a routine press briefing, comes in response to new US visa restrictions on Chinese officials involved in limiting foreign access to Tibet.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the move, stating that Tibet-related matters are strictly China라이브 바카라 “internal affairs,” and accused the U.S. of “abusing visa restrictions” in a way that “seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations.”
Access to Tibet remains tightly controlled. While foreign tourists can visit the region with prior permits and as part of organized groups, diplomats and foreign journalists must secure special approvals from local authorities.
"Tibet is open. China welcomes friendly people from other countries to visit, travel and do business in Tibet," Lin told reporters
"But China opposes the interference of any country or person in Tibetan affairs under the pretext of so-called human rights, religion and culture," he added.
China seized control of Tibet in 1950 in what it describes as a "peaceful liberation" from feudalistic serfdom.
International human rights groups and exiles, however, have routinely condemned what they call China's oppressive rule in Tibetan areas.
