The announcement at a regular press conference came after Washington imposed additional visa restrictions two weeks ago on Chinese officials involved in policies governing foreigners’ access to Tibetan areas.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said Tibet-related issues were China’s “internal affairs” and the “US abuse of visa restrictions on Chinese officials” over Tibet “seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations”.
Foreign tourists are allowed to visit the far western region of Tibet providing 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.
“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.
International human rights groups and exiles, however, have routinely condemned what they call China’s oppressive rule in Tibetan areas.
