China to reopen Tibet to foreign tourists

BEIJING - China will reopen the restive mountainous region of Tibet to foreign tourists “soon”, a state newspaper said on Saturday, after being closed off in the wake of pro-independence protests last month.
“The Tibet tourism bureau is doing its utmost to prepare for the reopening of all tourist spots,” the official China Daily cited a government statement as saying, though it did not provide an exact date.
Chinese media had reported that the region would reopen to foreign tourists from May 1, though officials have not confirmed this and a U.S.-based rights group says Beijing does not plan to allow foreigners in until after this August’s Olympics.
Tourism is a vital source of cash for the impoverished region, where 4 million tourists last year flocked to see historic temples, experience Tibetan culture and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery.
All foreigners visiting Tibet need special permits.
Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, of masterminding the unrest as part of a bid for independence and with an eye to spoiling the Beijing Games. The Dalai Lama rejects the accusations and says he does not seek independence for Tibet.
China continued its verbal attacks on the Dalai Lama on Saturday, blasting him in the overseas edition of the Communist Party mouthpiece the People’s Daily for trying to use the cause of human rights to advance his agenda.
“’Human rights’ seems like a trump card that the Dalai has a keen interest in. He loves to play it, and he plays it well,” the newspaper said in a commentary on its front page signed by a senior editor.
But his failure to condemn “the cruel injuries inflicted on innocent Tibetans and Chinese by hooligans and their burning of shops and schools”, showed his true colours, it added.
“In the history of China and other countries, is it possible to find a ’human rights guard’ like this?” the newspaper said.
The Dalai Lama has spoken out against the use of violence, calling for talks with China and backing the Beijing Games.
China says he is insincere, though.