China Restricts Certain US Officials’ Visas Due to the Tibet Issue

In retaliation for Washington’s actions over access to Tibet, China has restricted the visas of a few US officials.

China declared on Monday that it will restrict visas for certain US employees in retaliation for what it called “bad behavior” toward Tibet. During a routine press briefing, the Chinese foreign ministry acknowledged the move.

The ruling was made soon after the US imposed new visa restrictions on Chinese officials who were preventing foreigners from entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The tit-for-tat actions underscore the longstanding conflicts between Beijing and Washington regarding transparency and human rights in Tibet, an area under rigorous Chinese control with little outside access. China’s regional policies, notably the purported repression of religious and cultural liberties, have long been criticized by the US.

Beijing has continuously denied international criticism, arguing that its policies in Tibet advance stability and development. China did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged misbehavior or which US citizens will be impacted in its most recent response.

In the larger geopolitical competition between the two superpowers, the exchange of visa restrictions is yet another hot spot.