By KUNA
Washington : The United States on Friday urged China to “show restraint” in Tibet and open dialogue with the Dalai Lama, amid violence and protests in Tibet’s capitol Lhasa against Chinese rule.
US ambassador to Beijing, Clark Randt, aired concerns with senior Chinese officials over reported violence in Lhasa, according to the State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack.
“He took the opportunity to urge restraint on the part of the Chinese officials and Chinese security forces and not report to use of force in dealing with protesters,” McCormack said in a briefing Friday.
Since Monday, Tibetan Buddhist monks lead protest marches against Chinese rule in the streets of Lhasa. On Friday, the Chinese government confirmed demonstrations turned violent as protesters clashed with Chinese security forces, setting dozens of cars, and store fronts ablaze.
“Beijing needs to respect Tibetan culture and the multi-ethnic composition of it’s society. We have consistently urged the Chinese government to engage in a dialogue with the Dalai Lama,” McCormack said.
The US embassy in Beijing issued a travel advisory urging American to avoid Travel to Tibet, and told American in Lhasa to avoid “unnecessary movement within the city until the situation is under control,” said McCormack.