“Tibet-related affairs are purely China’s internal matters,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday as he announced Beijing’s decision on the reciprocal visa restrictions.
“The United States’ imposition of unwarranted visa restrictions on Chinese officials under the pretext of Tibet-related issues seriously violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations,” Lin said.
“Tibet is open, and China welcomes friendly foreign individuals to visit, travel, and conduct business in Tibet. At the same time, China opposes any country or individual interfering in Tibet-related affairs under the guise of so-called human rights, religion, or culture.”
Beijing also opposes “individuals with ulterior motives using the pretext of visiting Tibet to carry out disruptive or damaging activities”, Lin added.
In a statement issued on March 31, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would impose additional visa restrictions on Chinese officials “determined to be substantially involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners” to Tibetan areas.
