China strongly condemns U.S. resolution on Tibet issue

China on Friday expressed firm opposition to a U.S. Senate resolution on the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, saying it has interfered in China's internal affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question regarding the bill.

The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 says that the U.S. State Department will allow Chinese diplomats to visit some parts of the U.S. based on what extent China allows U.S. diplomats to visit certain areas, including Tibet, according to the government. 

After being passed by the Senate, the bill now needs to be signed by President Donald Trump before becoming a law.

In disregard of the facts, the bill approved by the Senate is "interference in China's internal affairs" and violates the basic norms governing international relations, said Lu.

China has lodged solemn representations with the U.S., the spokesperson added.

Every year, a large number of Chinese and foreign people visited Tibet to travel and do business, Lu told reporters. Since 2015, nearly 40,000 people from the U.S. have visited Tibet, including the minority leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and senators.

China urges the U.S. administration to take effective measures to prevent the bill from becoming a law, lest the bill seriously damage Sino-U.S. relations and bilateral cooperation in important areas, Lu said.