China bans foreigners from Tibet ahead of 60th anniversary

China has stopped issuing travel permits for foreigners to Tibet ahead of the National Day celebrations in Beijing which mark the 60th anniversary of Communist rule.

Chinese authorities have suspended all permits given to foreign tour groups to visit Tibet till October 8. The ban comes ahead of next week's celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic. However, those who have already arrived in Tibet would be allowed to stay under strict government supervision. China has tightened security across the country in recent weeks in the lead up to the National Day holiday on October 1. No planes would be allowed to take off from Beijing's airport during the parade. Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour have been asked to stop selling of kitchen knives after two knife attacks near Tiananmen Square. An official at Lhasa Tourism Bureau told AFP.

Passes for foreign travelers to enter Tibet will be suspended from September 24 to October 8. That's according to a notice from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.It started from Monday, according to the notice from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Passes for foreign travelers are suspended until October 8.

Tibet witnessed widespread anti-Chinese protests last year during the 5 th anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against China. The latest ban appears to be linked to fears of more anti-Chinese protests in the region.