China has declared it will take reciprocal measures in response to the United States’ recent visa restrictions on Chinese officials connected to the Xizang Autonomous Region.
At a regular news briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the U.S. action, calling it a gross interference in Xizang affairs, which are internal matters of China, and a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations.
“Xizang is open to all, and there are no restrictions on the entry of foreigners,” Guo stated. “The region welcomes visitors from around the world for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. In recent years, Xizang has received hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists.”
Guo emphasized that due to Xizang’s unique geographic and climatic conditions, it is necessary for the government to implement lawful measures to manage and protect foreign visitors. “We welcome foreigners to Xizang for visiting, tourism, and business purposes, but they must abide by Chinese laws and relevant regulations,” he said.
He also criticized the U.S. for what he described as groundless slander regarding human rights, religion, and cultural development in Xizang. “We oppose the interference and sabotage practices of foreign officials in the name of performing their duties in the region,” Guo added.
China urges the United States to honor its commitments on Xizang-related issues, cease supporting “Xizang independence” forces, and stop using such issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs, the spokesperson stated.
