DHARAMSHALA, JUNE 13: A bill to promote access to Tibet, where China has imposed travel restrictions for foreigners, was introduced on Thursday in the United States House of Representatives by Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Joseph Pitts (R-PA). The bill, H.R. 4851, is called the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act.
“Restricted access to Tibet leaves Tibetans in virtual isolation from the world community, limiting international exchange and the ability to objectively assess the human rights situation there,” said Congressman McGovern in a press release.
“This bipartisan bill promotes access to Tibetan areas for U.S. officials, journalists, and average citizens. Currently, travel restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on Tibet are more severe than for any other provincial-level entity of China,” McGovern stated.
“Our goal is an open and accessible Tibet, where Americans can visit and learn from the wonders of the Tibetan Plateau – its natural beauty, its people, and its rich culture and religious heritage.”
The International Campaign for Tibet that carries out lobbying for Tibet related issues in the US has welcomed the bill calling it “straightforward.” “If China doesn’t allow foreigners into Tibet, then we shouldn’t allow Chinese officials with oversight on Tibet into our countries,” said Matteo Mecacci, President of the International Campaign for Tibet.
The legislation would deny admittance to the U.S. for Chinese officials responsible for administering and implementing the restrictions on travel to Tibet.
The US State Department reported that the Chinese government denied more than 10 requests for United States diplomatic access to the Tibet Autonomous Region between May 2011 and December 2012. It added that when such requests are granted, diplomatic personnel are closely supervised and given few opportunities to meet local residents not approved by authorities.
A few visits by Congressional staff have occurred since 2008 on a tight itinerary controlled by government minders, said ICT.
In October 2013, U.S. consular officers faced prolonged delays in obtaining access to Tibet, hindering their ability to serve Americans in distress following an accident of a bus with Americans on board.
