Following new U.S. sanctions on Chinese officials restricting access to Tibet, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has demanded that China open the region to international scrutiny. CTA leaders and human rights advocates argue that Tibet remains isolated under Beijing’s control, with movement restricted even for Tibetans. As global pressure mounts, calls for transparency and accountability in China’s Tibet policy grow louder.
BY PC Bureau
A Scottish delegation visiting the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has firmly rejected China’s assertions over Tibet, calling Beijing’s claims deliberate misinformation aimed at justifying its control over the region.
Ross John Greer MSP, Chair of the Scottish Cross-Party Group for Tibet, along with Human Rights Professional Eleanor Jane Byrne-Rosengren and Research and Policy Officer Cameron E. William Garrett of the Scottish Green Group, met with Tibetan leaders in Dharamsala on April 3, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
During discussions, the delegation dismissed a recent Chinese government document that asserted Beijing’s control over the reincarnation of Tibetan lamas, promoted China’s so-called “development” in Tibet, and accused the “Dalai clique” and Western nations of conspiring to separate Tibet from China. The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament denounced these claims as blatant falsehoods designed to sow division and mislead the international community.
Greer and his colleagues reiterated that Tibetans have the right to self-determination and cultural preservation, rejecting Beijing’s attempts to control Tibetan religious traditions and historical narratives. The delegation reaffirmed its support for Tibet’s struggle and vowed to continue advocating for its cause on international platforms.
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The Tibet-China conflict remains a major human rights issue. Tibet was an independent region until China occupied it in 1951. Since then, Tibetans, under the Dalai Lama’s leadership, have fought for greater autonomy and protection of their cultural, religious, and political rights. However, Beijing continues to assert that Tibet is an inseparable part of China, suppressing dissent and restricting access to the region.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering met with Ross John Greer MSP, Chair of the Scottish Cross-Party Group for Tibet, along with human rights professional Eleanor Jane Byrne-Rosengren & Cameron E. William Garrett, Research & Policy Officer for the Scottish Green Group in Dharamshala today. pic.twitter.com/OOG2S37GVu
— Tibet.Net (@CTA_TibetdotNet) April 3, 2025
CTA Calls for Global Access to Tibet Amid U.S. Sanctions on Chinese Officials
As international scrutiny of China’s Tibet policy grows, the CTA has called on Beijing to allow unrestricted access to Tibet. The statement follows the United States’ decision to impose new visa restrictions on Chinese officials responsible for blocking foreign entry into Tibet.
Welcoming the move, Tibetan exile-government leaders emphasized that movement within Tibet is severely restricted, even for Tibetans themselves.
CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay condemned China’s excuses for limiting access. “For foreigners, China cites medical concerns due to Tibet’s high altitude, yet it allows large numbers of Chinese visitors and settlers into Tibet,” he said.
China’s recent “White Paper” on Tibet has sparked international criticism over its human rights record. Released on March 28, the paper defends controversial policies on Tibetan education, culture, and religious freedom. It claims that state-run boarding schools offer quality… pic.twitter.com/sF9kf4H3th
— Bodpa Warriors (@BodpaW) April 4, 2025
Lekshay further stressed that Tibet should not remain closed to the world. “It is not just U.S. diplomats who should be allowed into Tibet, but all international communities, including journalists and human rights observers. This restriction has come at the right time,” he added.
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The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) also praised the U.S. sanctions. “We commend the U.S. administration for making it clear that China’s failure to adhere to the principle of reciprocity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said ICT President Tencho Gyatso.
With international advocacy strengthening, Tibet remains at the center of global discussions on human rights and self-determination, as calls for greater transparency and accountability in China’s policies continue to grow.
