By Tenzin Tsetan
DHARAMSHALA, Dec.16: Many Taiwanese visitors to Tibet have been refused entry into Tibet as tension escalates with mainland China following the phone call between US president elect Trump and Taiwanese president.
The travel restrictions on Taiwan tour groups into Tibet follows the controversial congratulatory phone call made by the island president Tsai Ing-wen to US president elect Trump which has angered Beijing, who warned of damage to bilateral ties with the US.
According to RFA, several Taiwan tourist agencies had said their customers are not issued the necessary entry permits into Tibetan regions by China as formerly done.
Taiwanese visitors need to apply for Tibet entry permit letter in order to enter Tibet and must travel in groups.
Two tour groups who applied for the letter have not been approved this month. “They haven’t given us a direct response regarding the reason for this, but we can’t take any more bookings now,” said a travel agent.
Many Taiwan based travel agencies arranging trips to Tibet are facing the brunt. One employee said, “The mainland has suddenly refused to accept our application anymore. And they don’t always give us a clear reason.”
An additional permit known as “ permission letter to enter Tibet” is required to be allowed inside Tibet. A hotel employee in Tibet told RFA, “If you don’t have that letter, then I’m afraid we cannot make booking.” Confirming the change of situation, a Tibetan travel agent stated, “But we have received notification to this effect.”
The ‘Taiwan compatriot card’ issued to Taiwan residents visiting the mainland China can help get into many places. Macau and Hong Kong residents who are Chinese citizens are allowed to visit Tibet without the letter. But Taiwanese visitors must procure the letter to enter Tibet.
Beijing closed all communication links with Taiwan this summer after pro-independence democratic leader Tsai took to office and refused to adhere to ‘One China’ policy. Beijing has repeatedly warned of military intervention, putting on staunch declaration of China’s stand on the island that it claims is a breakaway province.
In a news briefing in Beijing, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang warned countries with ties to Taiwan of blocks on diplomatic ties and cooperation. “ There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a part of China and the govt. of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government that represent China”, he said.
