US ambassador in China makes rare visit to Tibet
May 20, 2019
U.S. ambassador to China Terry Branstad is making a rare visit to Tibet
BEIJING — The U.S. ambassador to China is making a rare visit to Tibet to meet local officials and raise concerns about restrictions on Buddhist practices and the preservation of the Himalayan region's unique culture and language.
The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said Terry Branstad is visiting the Tibetan Autonomous Region and neighboring Qinghai province from Sunday through Saturday. Qinghai is a traditionally Tibetan region also known as Amdo and the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled Buddhist leader.
Branstad's visit will include official meetings along with visits to religious and cultural heritage sites, schools, and "other places of interest," the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy called the visit "a chance for the ambassador to engage with local leaders to raise longstanding concerns." It said Branstad would also "learn first-hand about the region's unique cultural, religious, and ecological significance."
China tightly restricts access to Tibet by foreigners, especially journalists and diplomats. In response to the lack of access, the U.S. Congress last year passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which denies entry to the United States for anyone "substantially involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas."
China says Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say they were effectively an independent nation for most of that time. Beijing's control was most recently asserted when the Communist Party's military wing, the People's Liberation Army, invaded the region in 1950.
In recent years there has been a significant tightening of control over Tibetan Buddhism, use of the Tibetan language and traditional culture. Following anti-government protests in 2008, Beijing imposed a policy of "grid policing" that significantly reduces travel and social life, methods subsequently imposed in the traditionally Muslim neighboring region of Xinjiang, where hundreds of thousands of residents have been confined to detention centers.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China welcomed Branstad to witness the "earth-shaking changes in the people's production and life since Tibet's peaceful liberation more than 60 years ago."
"I hope that this visit to Tibet can help Ambassador Branstad make a conclusion without prejudice in the spirit of respecting the facts ... instead of being confused and disturbed by some long-standing hearsay and defamatory speeches," Lu said.
MORE NEWS
Nike stock falls after revenue miss, NKE forecasts 2027 revenue decline and announces layoffs - here's what investors need to know
Nike stock after NKE earnings: Nike stock is down after the company reported a quarterly revenue miss and forecast a high-single-digit revenue decline for fiscal 2027. Nike also announced layoffs as part of a restructuring plan expected to generate about $2.5 billion in savings through fiscal 2031.
US midterm elections 2026: Trump's approval rating falls to record low as 2026 Midterms near
A recent AP-NORC poll shows Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 31%, reflecting increasing public dissatisfaction. With midterm elections on the horizon, voters voiced their worries about the economy and rising prices, emphasizing 17% approval for Trump's management of cost of living. In response, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended Trump’s record by pointing out his significant policy achievements that could influence the forthcoming elections in November 2026.
Bitcoin price target: Why Citi raised its BTC USD forecast to $113,000 from $82,000 as the cryptocurrency rebounds
Bitcoin (BTC USD) price target: Citigroup has increased its 12-month Bitcoin price target from $82,000 to $113,000 due to favorable market conditions. The bank expects $5 billion in crypto investment product inflows over the next year as advisers increase allocations. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have started seeing renewed inflows after significant outflows earlier this year.
US Midterm Elections 2026: Here’s how to vote, register and cast your ballot
US Midterm Elections 2026: Voters need to be aware of registration deadlines and voting rules that vary by state. The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, impacting numerous federal and state positions. Early voting and absentee ballot options are available depending on state regulations. Voter ID requirements must also be consulted to ensure compliance with local laws. Checking state election resources will provide the latest updates on procedures and deadlines.
Malaysia Airlines stopped using flight code MH370 after the plane disappeared with 239 people aboard - why airlines retire flight numbers after aviation tragedies
Malaysia Airlines MH370: Malaysia Airlines changed flight numbers MH370 and MH371 following the aircraft's disappearance in March 2014. The aircraft, carrying 239 people, vanished during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Extensive search operations were conducted in the Indian Ocean, but the main wreckage remains undiscovered.
Social Security claiming age names could change: Will your benefits change? What new labels for ages 62, 67 and 70 really mean
Congress has cleared a bill that would give Social Security’s key claiming ages new names. The proposal would call 62 the “minimum monthly benefit age,” 67 the “standard monthly benefit age,” and 70 the “maximum monthly benefit age.” The ages themselves would not change. The goal is to make the benefit trade-offs easier to understand before workers decide when to claim.
India-US trade deal 'not imminent'; USTR Greer says 'sticking points' identified
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Trump administration is working with India to finalise a bilateral trade deal, but an agreement is not imminent. Greer said he had a “very constructive conversation” with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the G20 trade ministers meeting and that officials remain engaged.
Jeff Bezos just put $25 million into the Pacific Ocean. Is the Bezos Earth Fund enough to save the Pacific Ocean before the $10 billion deadline?
The Bezos Earth Fund has committed $25 million to enhance conservation efforts across five Pacific island nations, now totaling approximately $63.3 million dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems. This initiative strives to safeguard at least 30% of the oceanic territories by 2030, aligning with Jeff Bezos' ambitious $10 billion climate pledge. As the deadline nears, over $7 billion remains available for impactful distribution.
SC seeks Centre, Bengal govt response on Mahua Moitra’s plea over MPLADS works
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and West Bengal government on TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s plea alleging obstruction in implementing works under the MPLADS in her Krishnanagar constituency. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard her allegations that her functioning as an MP had been impeded.
SC seeks Centre, Bengal govt response on Mahua Moitra’s plea over MPLADS works
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and West Bengal government on TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s plea alleging obstruction in implementing works under the MPLADS in her Krishnanagar constituency. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard her allegations that her functioning as an MP had been impeded.