China pledges easier access to Tibet for foreign tourists after US pressure
- Visitor numbers to increase while waiting times for permits will be halved
- Announcement comes weeks after new US law demanding easier access for American officials and journalists
The Chinese government in Tibet has said it will boost numbers and cut waiting times for foreign tourists visiting the highly restricted region, following renewed pressure from the United States.
US President Donald Trump signed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act in December, demanding easier access for American officials and journalists.
Beijing denounced the law at the time as interference in China’s internal affairs, saying it risked “serious harm” to ties with Washington.
China and the US are trying to hammer out a deal to end their festering trade dispute which has threatened to sour the relationship across the board, including on issues such as security, influence and human rights.
Beijing slams US legislation demanding easier access to Tibet for American journalists, tourists
Qizhala, chairman of the regional Tibetan government, said in an annual work report published by the official Tibet Daily on Friday that visitor numbers would be increased by 50 per cent and waiting times for permits would be halved.