China Closes Tibet Again – Until April 10th
For the third year in a row, China has quit issuing permits to enter Tibet as of March 8th and supposedly until April 10th, 2010. Once again, no reason was given. Once again, the decision was made without prior notice. Once again, nameless, faceless Chinese officials have shown no regard for the businesses and individuals traveling to Tibet or to the businesses and individuals in Tibet whose livelihood relies on international tourism. This closure also affects Nepalese businesses as many visitors to Tibet come via Nepal.
The only reason a closure like this occurs is to keep the eyes of the world away from any abuses the Chinese will inflict on the population if protests occur.
China could solve its Tibet problems by addressing the needs of the Tibetan people and showing respect for the Dalai Lama, rather than vilifying him. But they’ve backed themselves into a face-losing corner and won’t be able to get out for decades. It will take a Chinese leader with the courage and vision of a Gorbachev to even begin to resolve their problems. How long does the world have to wait for that leader?
Closures like this have forced Red Lantern Journeys to quit spending marketing money on China and Tibet. Since just before the Olympics in Beijing, random closures and reduced demand have made China a less intriguing place to visit for Canadians and Americans.
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