US Slaps Visa Restrictions On Chinese Officials Over Access To Tibetan Areas

Last Updated:April 01, 2025, 08:29 IST

The statement did not name specific Chinese officials or provide further details on the US measures

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (AP Image)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday announced that Washington has imposed additional visa restrictions on Chinese officials involved in restricting foreign access to Tibetan areas.

In a post on social media platform X, Rubio accused Chinese officials of engaging in “systematic efforts” to limit access to Tibet and demanded Beijing to restore reciprocity for US diplomats and others.

“China must restore reciprocity for our diplomats and others to access Tibetan areas in the same way that China’s diplomats enjoy broad access in the United States,” he stated.

In a statement from his office, Rubio also criticised the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting that for years, the CCP has prevented US diplomats, journalists, and other international observers from accessing the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and other Tibetan areas. Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats and journalists enjoy broad access in the US.

“For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has refused to afford U.S. diplomats, journalists, and other international observers access to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and other Tibetan areas of China, while China’s diplomats and journalists enjoy broad access in the United States,” the US Secretary of State said in his statement.

The statement did not name specific Chinese officials or provide further details on the US measures. “US diplomats are also unable to provide services to US citizens traveling in Tibet. This lack of reciprocity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Rubio added, calling for “unrestricted access” to Tibetan areas for diplomats and others.

China took control of Tibet in 1950, referring to it as a “peaceful liberation.” However, international human rights groups and exiles have condemned China’s governance in the region as oppressive.

While the US officially recognises Tibet as part of China, the US State Department has repeatedly urged Chinese authorities to respect religious freedom and allow Tibetans to preserve and practice their cultural and religious traditions without government interference.

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(With inputs from Reuters)

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)