Gere criticizes China over abuse in Tibet (AP)

SEOUL, South Korea – American actor Richard Gere is taking a swipe at China for what he calls its widespread abuse of Tibetans.

Gere is in Seoul to promote a Tibet-themed exhibition of photos taken by him and other photographers. He's a practicing Buddhist and a longtime supporter of the Dalai Lama and Tibet.

Gere said Wednesday at the Seoul Arts Center that it's impossible to look at the photographs and not feel Tibet's suffering.

He said China's government is torturing and killing people in Tibet.

China maintains that Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries. But many Tibetans say the region was functionally independent for much of its history.

Gere's films include "Pretty Woman," "Unfaithful" and "Chicago," for which he won a Golden Globe.

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