China’s foreign ministry announced visa restrictions on some U.S. personnel on Monday. They stated that these individuals “behaved badly” on Tibet-related issues.
This announcement followed Washington’s imposition of additional visa restrictions two weeks prior. The U.S. targeted Chinese officials involved in policies governing foreigners’ access to Tibetan areas.
The U.S. accused the Chinese Communist Party of denying access to Tibet and other Tibetan areas of China. They claim this denial affects U.S. diplomats, journalists, and other international observers, and demanded “unrestricted access” to the areas for U.S. diplomats and others.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Tibet-related issues are China’s “internal affairs”. He added that the “U.S. abuse of visa restrictions on Chinese officials” over Tibet “seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations”.
Foreign tourists can visit Tibet if they travel in groups and obtain a permit in advance. Diplomats and foreign journalists need to get the approval of Tibet’s local authorities to go there.
Lin told reporters that “Tibet is open”. He also stated that “China welcomes friendly people from other countries to visit, travel and do business in Tibet”.
Lin added that “China opposes the interference of any country or person in Tibetan affairs under the pretext of so-called human rights, religion and culture”.
China took control of Tibet in 1950. China describes this as a “peaceful liberation” from feudalistic serfdom.
International human rights groups and exiles have routinely condemned China’s oppressive rule in Tibetan areas.
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