Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to a question regarding US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on Monday that China has refused to afford US diplomats, journalists, and other international observers access to the Xizang Autonomous Region and that the US imposed additional visa restrictions on Chinese officials involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Xizang, pursuant to the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Tuesday that the actions of the US are a blatant interference in Xizang affairs and China's internal affairs, seriously violating international law and the basic principles of international relations. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes this, Guo noted.

Guo emphasized that Xizang is open and has never imposed restrictions on foreign access. Xizang receives a large number of foreign tourists and visitors from various sectors annually, with 320,000 foreign tourist visits recorded in 2024. Considering Xizang's unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Chinese government has implemented certain management and protective measures for foreign visitors to Xizang in accordance with the law, which is entirely necessary, according to Guo.

China welcomes friends from afar to visit and do business in Xizang, said Guo, noting that the prerequisite is that necessary procedures are duly observed in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. "We oppose the baseless smear campaign against the current state of human rights, religion, and cultural development in Xizang, and we reject the actions of foreign officials who, under the pretext of fulfilling their duties in Xizang, engage in interference and sabotage," Guo said.

China urges the US to honor its commitments regarding the Xizang issue, stop condoning and supporting "Xizang independence" forces, and cease interfering in China's internal affairs under the guise of Xizang-related issues. China will take necessary measures to firmly counteract the erroneous actions of the US with resolute reciprocal responses, he said.

Global Times