BEIJING, March 9 (UPI) -- China, citing cold weather, said it will bar foreigners from Tibet this month -- but March also marks the anniversary of the 2008 bloody Tibetan protests.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Zhang Qingli, the Communist party chief in Tibet, as saying the temporary measures restricting foreign tourists were mainly due to the current cold weather, limited accommodation capacity and safety concerns.


The report said the region is still experiencing deep freeze, and Zhang said the region will be busy with people preparing to observe the 60th anniversary of the "peaceful liberation of Tibet," affecting hotel availability.

The New York Times reported since the March 2008 protests against Chinese rule, China has prohibited foreigners from traveling to the region during the uprising's anniversary.

The report quoted Zhang as telling the annual session of Chinese Parliament that Tibet faces "very grave challenges" to curb separatist activities.