Nepal-China relations stand test of time
Yuba Nath Lamsal
The year 1955 was a turning point in the modern history of
Nepal-China relations. This is the year Nepal and China formally established
diplomatic relationship and reconnected the link that had virtually broken for sometime
especially after the Sugauli Treaty with the British colonial rulers in India.
The Sugauli Treaty that was concluded after the Anglo-Nepal War in 1816 marked
a significant shift in Nepal’s foreign policy. Nepal then suddenly changed its
long-cherished foreign policy of equi-distance with both of its northern and
southern neighbors.
Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, had first
spelled out Nepal’s foreign policy priorities. In his wise counsels, Prithivi
Narayan Shah had suggested his successors to keep vigil on the southern power (British
colonial rulers) and trust the northern empire (China), which is evident of
China’s good neighborly foreign policy. However, Nepal became, too, dependent
on the south and its foreign policy, too, tilted towards the British rulers in
India. This policy continued till Nepal saw political change in 1951 that not
only overthrew the century-long Rana’s oligarchic rule but also established
multi-party democracy. The 1951 political change brought about new era in
political front and also opened up newer vista in the foreign policy front. The
India-centric foreign policy slowly became diversified with establishing
diplomatic relations with many countries and international forums. Among the
important events that marked a clear shift from earlier India-centric policy were
the decisions to establish diplomatic relations with China and become a member
of the United.
The establishment of diplomatic relations with China is, without
any shade of doubt, a significant event in Nepal’s foreign policy as it not
only renewed the age-old friendly and cooperative relations between the two
countries but also opened up newer areas of cooperation between China and
Nepal. China is important for Nepal for
various reasons. It is not only a close neighbor of Nepal but also a global
power that has big clout and say in the international power politics, from
which Nepal can extract benefit in the international arena. Nepal has 1415 km
border with China and there are inter-exchanges between the people of Tibet
Autonomous Region of China and Nepal’s Himalayan regions. These two people have
common cultural affinity, social linkages and familial relations. Although
these relations had always been there at
the people’s level even prior to the establishment of the diplomatic relations,
the formal diplomatic ties that were established at the official level in 1955 between
the two countries further expanded, deepened and consolidated Nepal-China relations
at the people’s level.
Ever since the diplomatic relations were established between
these two countries, bilateral relations between Nepal and China have continued
to grow. Nepal has always adhered to one-China policy and has considered Tibet
and Taiwan as inalienable parts of China. Nepal’s this position has been
constant which has been duly appreciated by China.
Now China has grown as the world’s second largest economy
and a global power. Beijing is slowly realizing its international obligation to
support and help the countries of the Third World in their endeavors for
development. Nepal is more important for China not only because of its
geographical proximity but also because of its strategic location.
China has been supporting Nepal in various fronts and various ways. China does not have any favorite political force in Nepal. Beijing treats and respects all political parties and forces of Nepal in equal terms and manner. China definitely seems to be concerned with the increased and intensified interference and meddling in Nepal by some external forces. For a close neighbor, that too, a global power, the external interference in its neighborhood definitely concerns. China’s present concerns in Nepal can, thus, be understandable. However, China always refrains from interfering and meddling in other countries. China, so far, has kept itself away from the internal problem and politics of Nepal. But Beijing has, time and again, given a loud and clear message that Beijing would not tolerate if the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbor comes under threat. This is a warning to those forces and elements which are trying to meddle in Nepal’s internal affairs and politics.
China has its long-cherished foreign policy objective, which is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence or ‘panchaseel’, which includes non-aggression and non-interference in other countries, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the world. Nepal, too, adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence which are the cardinal tenets of the non-aligned movement.
In principle, Nepal strictly maintains a non-alignment and friendly relation with all countries in the world. This is where foreign policy and priorities of Nepal and China converge.
In the case with Nepal, China has strictly adhered to this foreign policy goal and wants good neighborly relations. China knows well that instability and insecurity here will have an impact on its territories.
China has made tremendous progress on the economic front and wants similar progress and development in its neighborhood. Guided by this noble idea, China has been more forthcoming to invest and help Nepal. Beijing has thus shown interest in investing in Nepal’s infrastructure, energy, communication and tourism sector, which would ultimately contribute to lifting the people of Nepal out of poverty and backwardness.
Nepal, currently, is suffering from an acute power crunch. China has shown interest in investing in Nepal’s water resource and hydro-power development. China has money, expertise, capability and experience in hydro-power development in a difficult terrain like that of Nepal. If we are able to win the trust of China, we can bring huge Chinese investment and develop some mega hydro-power projects through which Nepal can not only be self-sufficient in energy but also earn huge foreign currency by exporting surplus electricity.
South Asia is suffering from a power shortfall, and other countries of the region, including India, may be willing to buy Nepal’s electricity. This would also help meet the growing power demand in India and other South Asian countries, which would be beneficial for both Nepal and other countries in the region.
But Nepal does not have a specific China policy to win the trust of Beijing. Although not spelt out specifically, there has been a deficit of trust due mainly to Nepal’s wavering foreign policy priority and unnecessary tilt to a particular country. Nepal considers China as a neighbor like any other country in Asia. In fact, this cannot be an appropriate foreign policy for Nepal. China and India are our two immediate neighbors, with whom Nepal shares a border, history, culture, religion and a long legacy of trade and friendship.
These two countries should occupy special priority and place in our foreign policy formulation. China is more important especially when it comes to Nepal’s survival strategy. China has never been a security problem for Nepal. Instead there are instances that China has come to Nepal’s rescue at difficult periods in history. Moreover, Nepal’s relationship with China is as old as our ancient civilization. Thus, China is and should be an important country for Nepal from which we can learn and benefit a lot.
China has its own priority and interests in Nepal. But it in no way wants to interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs. It wants to be a partner in Nepal’s development efforts. Beijing wants stability, peace and prosperity in Nepal, for which China is ready to extend meaningful and constructive cooperation. This message has been expressed by Chinese leaders and officials at different forums and different occasions.
China definitely has security interests in Nepal. It does not want Nepal to be an unstable country, which would have its fallout on its own territory - Tibet. China knows well that some elements and forces are active in creating instability in Nepal so as to instigate trouble in Tibet. China is, therefore, cautious to ensure that such a situation does not occur in Nepal. Nepal needs to ensure that such nothing harms China’s interest from Nepal’s soil. This is the guarantee China wants from Nepal not in words but in action. In principle, Nepal is committed to ‘one China policy, and has time and again expressed its commitment not to allow any kind of anti-China activities from its soil. However, Nepal has not been fully able to curb such activities which have concerned China more than ever. Thus, it would be in our own interest to completely check activities that are harmful against our friends and assure the neighbors that Nepal is more serious towards the sensitivity of its immediate neighbors.
China has been supporting Nepal in various fronts and various ways. China does not have any favorite political force in Nepal. Beijing treats and respects all political parties and forces of Nepal in equal terms and manner. China definitely seems to be concerned with the increased and intensified interference and meddling in Nepal by some external forces. For a close neighbor, that too, a global power, the external interference in its neighborhood definitely concerns. China’s present concerns in Nepal can, thus, be understandable. However, China always refrains from interfering and meddling in other countries. China, so far, has kept itself away from the internal problem and politics of Nepal. But Beijing has, time and again, given a loud and clear message that Beijing would not tolerate if the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbor comes under threat. This is a warning to those forces and elements which are trying to meddle in Nepal’s internal affairs and politics.
China has its long-cherished foreign policy objective, which is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence or ‘panchaseel’, which includes non-aggression and non-interference in other countries, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the world. Nepal, too, adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence which are the cardinal tenets of the non-aligned movement.
In principle, Nepal strictly maintains a non-alignment and friendly relation with all countries in the world. This is where foreign policy and priorities of Nepal and China converge.
In the case with Nepal, China has strictly adhered to this foreign policy goal and wants good neighborly relations. China knows well that instability and insecurity here will have an impact on its territories.
China has made tremendous progress on the economic front and wants similar progress and development in its neighborhood. Guided by this noble idea, China has been more forthcoming to invest and help Nepal. Beijing has thus shown interest in investing in Nepal’s infrastructure, energy, communication and tourism sector, which would ultimately contribute to lifting the people of Nepal out of poverty and backwardness.
Nepal, currently, is suffering from an acute power crunch. China has shown interest in investing in Nepal’s water resource and hydro-power development. China has money, expertise, capability and experience in hydro-power development in a difficult terrain like that of Nepal. If we are able to win the trust of China, we can bring huge Chinese investment and develop some mega hydro-power projects through which Nepal can not only be self-sufficient in energy but also earn huge foreign currency by exporting surplus electricity.
South Asia is suffering from a power shortfall, and other countries of the region, including India, may be willing to buy Nepal’s electricity. This would also help meet the growing power demand in India and other South Asian countries, which would be beneficial for both Nepal and other countries in the region.
But Nepal does not have a specific China policy to win the trust of Beijing. Although not spelt out specifically, there has been a deficit of trust due mainly to Nepal’s wavering foreign policy priority and unnecessary tilt to a particular country. Nepal considers China as a neighbor like any other country in Asia. In fact, this cannot be an appropriate foreign policy for Nepal. China and India are our two immediate neighbors, with whom Nepal shares a border, history, culture, religion and a long legacy of trade and friendship.
These two countries should occupy special priority and place in our foreign policy formulation. China is more important especially when it comes to Nepal’s survival strategy. China has never been a security problem for Nepal. Instead there are instances that China has come to Nepal’s rescue at difficult periods in history. Moreover, Nepal’s relationship with China is as old as our ancient civilization. Thus, China is and should be an important country for Nepal from which we can learn and benefit a lot.
China has its own priority and interests in Nepal. But it in no way wants to interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs. It wants to be a partner in Nepal’s development efforts. Beijing wants stability, peace and prosperity in Nepal, for which China is ready to extend meaningful and constructive cooperation. This message has been expressed by Chinese leaders and officials at different forums and different occasions.
China definitely has security interests in Nepal. It does not want Nepal to be an unstable country, which would have its fallout on its own territory - Tibet. China knows well that some elements and forces are active in creating instability in Nepal so as to instigate trouble in Tibet. China is, therefore, cautious to ensure that such a situation does not occur in Nepal. Nepal needs to ensure that such nothing harms China’s interest from Nepal’s soil. This is the guarantee China wants from Nepal not in words but in action. In principle, Nepal is committed to ‘one China policy, and has time and again expressed its commitment not to allow any kind of anti-China activities from its soil. However, Nepal has not been fully able to curb such activities which have concerned China more than ever. Thus, it would be in our own interest to completely check activities that are harmful against our friends and assure the neighbors that Nepal is more serious towards the sensitivity of its immediate neighbors.
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