2009 marks China’s 60th Anniversary under communist rule and the country is celebrating with three days of festivals and parades starting October 1st.

But for Tibet, this is the anniversary of the most tragic event in their recent history - the 50th year since an uprising forced the Dalai Lama out of the country.

Tensions are high and Tibet’s tourism bureau has stopped issuing visitor entry permits until October 8.

Without foreign access to the country the flow of information in and out of Tibet is severely limited.

2SER's Jessica Bineth spoke to Simon Bradshaw from the Australian Tibet Council.