China moves to crush Tibetan uprising

More than 200 Chinese army vehicles have been deployed in Lhasa in Tibet, where at least 16 people been killed. That figure is disputed by Tibetan leaders, who claim as many 80 people died during riots against Beijing rule.

Chinese authorities are urging rioters to surrender after the worst violence in the region for two decades.

In Nepal, police clashed with Tibetan protestors and monks, arresting 30 people.

Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, called for an international investigation into the crackdown and said China was relying on force to achieve peace.

The violence in Tibet could not have come at worse time for the Chinese government, with the Beijing Olympics just months away.

Worldwide attention has turned to the largest and most violent protests against China's rule in twenty years.

Rallies led by monks have been taking place all week, but turned violent on Friday.

They're protesting against what they see as China's violation of human rights in the region. They want more freedom, both religious and political.

Chinese authorities denied troops used lethal weapons against Tibetan protesters in the city of Lhasa.

The Chinese government has accused followers of the Dalai Lama of ‘masterminding’ the uprising.

Tibetans across the world have been organising protests and marches in support.

Russia’s reaction

Russia's Foreign Ministry has expressed support to the Chinese government over the way it has dealt with violence in Tibet.

In an official statement it said Russia sees Tibet as an integral part of China and considers its relations with the Dalai Lama to be an internal issue.