West 'uses Tibet to attack China'

China has published a paper praising its rule in Tibet and accusing the West of trying to inflame tensions there. China had developed Tibet's economy and improved both the human rights and living conditions of its residents, the white paper said. Reports of a "Tibet issue" were an attempt by "western anti-China forces" to demonise China, it said. The paper comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's exile and amid reports of regional unrest. Tibet itself appears to be closed to foreigners ahead of the anniversary and access to surrounding areas is restricted, making independent confirmation of accounts of fresh monk-led disturbances and protests very difficult.