China imposes visa restrictions on US personnel over Tibet

China has imposed visa restrictions on select U.S. personnel in retaliation for Washington's sanctions over access to Tibet, escalating diplomatic friction over the sensitive region.

China announced on Monday that it will impose visa restrictions on certain U.S. individuals who it claims have "behaved badly" regarding Tibet-related matters, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The move comes in response to recent U.S. sanctions imposed two weeks earlier, which targeted Chinese officials allegedly involved in restricting access to Tibetan regions for foreign diplomats, journalists, and observers. Washington accused Beijing of systematically denying such access and called for "unrestricted entry" to Tibet and surrounding areas for U.S. representatives.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the U.S. actions, describing Tibet-related issues as part of China’s "internal affairs." He stated that the U.S. was "abusing visa restrictions" in a way that "seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations."

While foreign tourists can visit Tibet under group arrangements and with prior permits, diplomats and foreign journalists are required to seek special approval from local authorities.

"Tibet is open," Lin said, adding that China welcomes "friendly people from other countries to visit, travel, and do business" in the region. However, he emphasized that China strongly opposes any interference under the guise of human rights, religion, or culture.

China took control of Tibet in 1950, a move it describes as a "peaceful liberation" from a feudal system.

Copied