China on Friday rebuked the U.S. Congress over legislation seeking greater access to Tibet, saying American lawmakers “grossly interfered” in Beijing's domestic affairs.
The bill, which passed this week with bipartisan support, demands access to the region for U.S. diplomats, journalists and tourists, threatening to bar Chinese officials responsible for the policy from the U.S. if barriers remain for foreigners in Tibet.
Foreign visitors are generally required to obtain a special permit, with the region completely closed off to outsiders at certain times of the year.
Contrary to facts
“The relevant bill... has disregarded the facts, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, and violated the basic norms of international relations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said
“China is firmly opposed to this and has already made representations to the U.S.”
He added that some 40,000 Americans have visited Tibet since 2015, including politicians.
“We strongly urge the U.S. administration to immediately take effective measures to prevent this bill from being signed into law, so as to avoid damage to China-U.S. relations and the cooperation between the two countries in important areas,” Lu said.
The bill comes amid frictions between the U.S. and China over trade and the arrest of a Chinese executive in Canada on a U.S. request.
