WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the US would restrict visas for some Chinese officials citing human rights abuses in Tibet as Beijing continues to obstruct travel to the region by U.S. diplomats, journalists and tourists.

In a statement, Pompeo said the United States remained committed to supporting “meaningful autonomy” for the people of Tibet and respect for their fundamental human rights.

He said that access to Tibetan areas is vital to regional stability, given Beijing’s human rights abuses there.

“I am announcing visa restrictions on China government and its Communist Party officials determined to be ‘substantially involved in the formulation or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas,” Pompeo said.

The relations between US and China have reached their lowest point since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the United States hard.

(With inputs from Agencies)