09 August 2006
China may abolish permit rule for Tibet visitors
(IANS) Foreign travellers to Tibet, as well as those from the Tibetan diaspora in India, could soon benefit from a planned relaxation of Chinese regulations that currently require them to secure a special permit to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Officials of the TAR told a visiting Indian media delegation that the proposal, which could take effect later this year, was intended to open up Tibet to more international tourists as part of an overall programme to improve the economy of the region. The proposal, if implemented, would mean that foreign tourists will be able to enter Tibet on the strength of a China visa alone. Hao Peng, deputy chairman of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the second-most powerful communist leader of the province, also said he had "no resentment" against Tibetans settled in India and they were free to travel to Lhasa and other towns of the region and even seek citizenship. But only if they pledged to eschew political activities and abide by the Chinese constitution. "As long as they have a compatriot attitude, they are welcome".