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By P.R. Pradhan

There is a vast difference between yesterday’s China and today’s China. Several decades ago, China was a highly populated and poor country. Today, it is the world’s second-largest economy and is widely believed to be on track to become the largest economy as well as a major global military power. China shares land borders with 14 countries, and its foreign policy emphasizes maintaining good relations with all neighboring states.

Nepal has countless problems with India, our southern neighbor, whereas we have largely trouble-free relations with China. This can be attributed to the statesmanship of Chinese leaders. Until today, Nepal has remained an India-locked country due to the negligence of its own leadership. China has provided Nepal with access to several seaports and land ports for third-country trade. It has also constructed quality roads and is planning to extend railway connectivity up to Nepal’s border point at Rasuwagadhi in the near future. Overall, China has shown special consideration in its relations with Nepal.

From Nepal’s side, however, it appears that there is limited interest in developing cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations with China.

During high-level visits between Nepali and Indian leaders, a major concern repeatedly raised by Indian officials is the increasing presence of Chinese nationals in Nepal. Another discouraging strategy adopted by India has been to obstruct Chinese investment in Nepal. India has decided not to import Nepal’s electricity produced through the Chinese participation. Furthermore, India has denied air routes for the operation of the two international airports constructed in Pokhara and Bhairahawa with Chinese investment and involvement.

Nepal is also seen as reluctant to implement the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China. Similarly, Nepal appears hesitant to receive loans from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which was initiated by China, reportedly due to Indo-Western pressure.

Moreover, despite Nepal’s formal commitment to the “One China Policy,” anti-China activities have continued under the protection of certain political leaders. During the Tibet unrest in 2008, it was widely believed that arms were supplied to Tibet from Nepal. During the devastating earthquake of 2015, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was mobilized for rescue operations in the Tatopani area. PLA troops reportedly recovered several documents related to the Dalai Lama. Since then, the trade route has not functioned smoothly.

More recently, demonstrations organized in Kathmandu by youths claiming “Tibetan original blood” were observed. Investigations found that some of them had obtained Nepali citizenship by manipulating local government authorities. Although their parents were Tibetan refugees, the children reportedly acquired Nepali citizenship using forged documents. Additionally, activities of several monasteries have been found to be suspicious. The role of certain international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) has also raised concerns, as some of their activities appear to be aligned with anti-China agendas. Likewise, certain media outlets sponsored by the Open Society have been found involved in anti-China narratives.

Against this backdrop, the recent report made public by Dragon Media reflects China’s impression of Nepal. The report states that due to the Nepal government’s double standards, Nepal has been placed on China’s blacklist—an issue that should not be underestimated by Nepali authorities.

It is well understood that diplomacy operates through two channels: the front-door (formal) channel and the backdoor (informal) channel. Although China has not formally reacted against Nepal, the report published by Dragon Media may be interpreted as China’s response conveyed through an informal channel.

Nepal cannot afford to undermine its relations with China. Instead, it should seek to maximize benefits by developing cordial and trustworthy relations with its northern neighbor. To overcome the current India-locked situation and to avoid potential economic blockades, Nepal must strengthen its relations with China and utilize transit routes through Chinese territory. China’s contribution to Nepal’s infrastructure development and economic upliftment is highly significant. At the same time, Nepal’s commitment to the “One China Policy” must be translated into concrete action. Government security agencies should remain vigilant against suspicious free Tibet activities and against the operations of INGOs that may undermine Nepal’s social harmony and national interests.