China slaps visa restrictions on US officials in Tibet tit-for-tat

Move comes two weeks after Chinese officials were hit with US visa curbs over allegedly restricting access to Tibetan areas

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Non-Chinese visitors to Tibet must obtain special permits, which are typically granted to tourists who book with approved travel operators. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 7:10pm, 14 Apr 2025Updated: 7:25pm, 14 Apr 2025

China has announced visa restrictions on “US personnel who have acted egregiously” on Tibet issues, two weeks after Washington imposed visa limits on Chinese officials involved in policies restricting foreigners’ access to the region.

“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.