In pictures: Modern Tibet

Tourism boom in Tibet: China hopes to attract three million tourists to Tibet by 2020. But there are concerns that these tourists, who will need hotels, restaurants and shops, will destroy Tibet’s unique character. More visitors could lead to ugly developments around major tourist sites and damage to the region’s natural environment. Local officials maintain this will not happen, but bold statements and action are often two different things. (As part of a series from Tibet, the BBC’s Michael Bristow has compiled a series of photographs of everyday life in this remote mountain region.) SEE MORE PICTURES

China cracks down on AIDS groups ahead of Olympics

Wary of exposing China’s flaws to the news media’s glare before next year’s Olympic Games, authorities are cracking down on groups that help AIDS victims and orphans, shuttering their offices and banning meetings and other gatherings.