New Dimensions of Nepal-China Relations

Watch it on NIICE Nepal YouTube Channel

Event Report

In the ongoing pandemic times, when whole world is full of diplomatic uncertainties and bilateral relations are in state of jeopardy especially with the country of origin of COVID-19 Pandemic that is China, the Nepal-China relations have also been in a state which requires both countries to prove their commitments towards bilateralism. It is under this scenario that Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) Nepal, in collaboration with Nepal Study Centre for Hubei University of Economics and Business, organised a webinar on 8 June 2020.

Dr. Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director of NIICE Nepal initiated the session with his introductory note. While giving a brief introduction of the speakers in the session, he also mentioned about the changing dynamics of Nepal-China relations.

The first speaker Mr. Zhang Fenqin started on a positive note that Nepal-China are in the new era of building socialism with Chinese characterises. Since Presidents and higher officials used to be on visit to each other’s countries, both countries have established strategic partnership with each other. Chinese package to Nepal in development and respect of each other’s sovereignty is focal point of bilateral relations. The Belt and Road Initiative is vitally important for Nepal. While mentioning Confucius, he stressed that differences must be negotiated through diplomatic channels.

The speaker was delighted in stating that Chinese Communist Party and Nepalese Communist Party have greater cooperation. However, there still needed is enhanced role of Think Tanks and Mass Media in promoting people to people connection. Further, while giving example of how Chinese translator did blunders when Chinese President Xi Jinping was on India’s visit, he also cautioned that lack of good translation may seriously affect bilateral relations.

The next speaker, Ambassador Leela Mani of Nepal began his address by saying that Nepal-China relations are time tested and bring greater prosperity across Himalayas. Now, Nepal is fully committed to Belt and Road Initiative as Nepal being a landlocked country, requires higher connectivity. However, though Nepal has signed Transit Agreement with China as alternative to Indian Transit Agreement, Nepal will hardly be able to replace the latter’s importance.

Explaining some other issues vital for national interests of Nepal, he mentioned that railways is too important to get undermined and its feasibility cannot be measured in monetary terms solely.  Railways are compulsory to ensure international transit route and are lifeline for international connectivity.

BRI played important role in post COVID- 19 recovery of Nepal as it boosted trade relations, tourism, etc and ensured connectivity between people’s minds, behaviour, attitudes, etc.  On border issues with China, the Nepali Ambassador denounced such allegations and clarified that no 3rd country has right to interfere in internal affairs of Nepal. In nutshell, he emphasized that post COVID cooperation is vital for Nepal and China and Nepal stands firmly by China as a time-tested friend.

Dr Pramod Jaiswal stressed on fact that Nepal is not just a landlocked country by Geography, but is also an economically locked country.  It’s need of the hour not just to ensure connectivity of roads and railways only but also connectivity of power, hydroelectric lines and tourism. He elaborately demonstrated through maps and slides that how BRI is bringing connectivity across Nepal and across region, although, with deep security mistrusts between India and China. Chinese Professor Zhang Fenqin advised Nepal not to get too dependent upon loans or aids from other countries. Nepal must ensure that Chinese companies, even if they don’t make money should not, at least, lose money in Nepalese market.

Prepared by Ambrish Tripathi, Intern at NIICE, Nepal