At the time , the government pledged to increase spending in rural areas and committed billions of dollars to raise the living standards in the countryside . U.S. : Locke meeting officials to impress importance of preserving Tibetan culture . Envoy also stressed the need to open up access to Tibet to foreign diplomats . Since 2006 , 119 monks have self-immolated in protest against Chinese policies . Comment:
U.S. : Locke meeting officials to impress importance of preserving Tibetan culture . Envoy also stressed the need to open up access to Tibet to foreign diplomats . Since 2006 , 119 monks have self-immolated in protest against Chinese policies . Comment: