LHASA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China announced on Wednesday that no plastic bags would be provided to shoppers from this year, even if they are willing to pay.

    The decision coincided with China's ban on production of ultra-thin bags and decision to forbid retailers from handing out free carrier bags from June 1, to protect the environment and save energy.

    Tibet will launch a campaign against disposable plastic bags and foam dinnerware, with the message that reusable cloth bags and recyclable paper bags are more environmentally friendly, according to Zhang Yongze, chief of the Tibet Environmental Protection Bureau.

    "Although the campaign will be tough and last for a long time, we will not give up," Zhang said.

    Lhasa, capital of Tibet, banned the use of plastic bags in 2004to keep the city free of "white" pollution.