Following Hong Kong, Now Tibet... The Growing US-China Conflict

Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State
[Photo by AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The spark of US-China tensions is spreading from Hong Kong to Tibet. As China blocks Americans from visiting the Tibet region, the two countries have directly clashed by restricting visas for each other's officials.

On the 7th (local time), US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated, "The United States seeks fair, transparent, and reciprocal treatment from China," adding, "Unfortunately, China has systematically blocked US diplomats, other officials, journalists, and tourists from visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas, while Chinese Communist Party officials and Chinese citizens enjoy much greater access to the United States."

Secretary Pompeo continued, "Therefore, today I announce visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials who are substantially involved in establishing or implementing policies related to foreign access to the Tibet region, pursuant to the 2018 Tibet Reciprocal Access Act." He emphasized, "Considering not only the human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet but also China's failure to prevent environmental degradation near the sources of major Asian rivers, access to the Tibet region is increasingly essential for regional stability."

Pompeo stated that the US will "continue efforts to advance the economic development, environmental conservation, and humanitarian conditions of the Tibetan community," and that the US supports meaningful autonomy for Tibetans, respects fundamental human rights, and is committed to preserving their unique identity. He added, "In the spirit of genuine reciprocity, we will work closely with the US Congress to ensure that American citizens have full access to all regions of China, including the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas."

Zhao Lijian, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

In response, China immediately took reciprocal measures. On the 8th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated at a regular briefing, "In response to the US's wrongful actions, China has decided to restrict visas for US officials who have engaged in bad behavior regarding the Tibet issue."

Spokesperson Zhao said, "China firmly opposes the US measures" and urged the US to immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs and to cease actions that further deteriorate bilateral relations. He added that many foreigners visit Tibet every year and argued, "Considering Tibet's unique geography and climatic conditions, measures to manage foreign visits to Tibet according to the law are reasonable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.