Nepal’s one-China policy and UN Charter

By Yuba Nath Lamsal
Unlike double standards and hypocrisy of some countries in the West as well as in its own neighborhood in the conduct of foreign policy and diplomacy, Nepal always says what it believes and does what it thinks good. When it comes to the relations with its neighbors, this Himalayan Republic does not have any kind of ambiguity and hidden agenda. Nepal is candid and clear enough on its foreign policy and in the conduct of international relations and diplomacy.
Nepal is a country located in the highly strategically vital as well as volatile position of Asia surrounded by two giants—China and India.  Perhaps, it is this reason why Nepal’s founder Prithivi Narayan Shah once symbolically described this geo-strategic position as a ‘yam between the two boulders’— the view many of us still continue to subscribe. This view is so apt and practical that it not only indicates the need for handling our foreign policy in a more delicate and tactful manner but also continues to provide a leitmotif for the conduct of foreign policy of Nepal even today.
With regard to relations with China, Nepal has adopted one-China policy and strictly followed it, which is not merely meant to please its northern neighbor but seeks to uphold universally accepted norms and principles of international diplomacy. The one-China policy is a historical legacy of Nepal that has been executed in both its letter and spirit right from the time these two countries established contacts and established relations. Unlike some analysts, who think that Nepal’s one-China policy is basically related to Tibet Autonomous Region of China, this policy rather encompasses broader aspects and respect to the principle of China’s sovereign independence, national unity and territorial integrity. One-China policy is not merely related to the position of Tibet Autonomous Region but asserts that China always has legitimate authority over Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and continues to respect this principle both in words and action.
Nepal has unwavering faith on one-China policy, which has earned high respect and appreciation from China. The firm commitment to one-China policy is part of Nepal’s broader foreign policy priority and also its unflinching belief and faith on the rule of diplomacy and international law that does not subscribe to divided loyalty and double standard.  Nepal’s foreign policy is based on five principles of peaceful  co-existence that include, non-aggression, not-interference, respect for territorial integrity and  sovereignty and mutual cooperation  and the one-China policy is strictly in commensurate with these principles. Nepal believes that Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan historically belonged and continue to belong to China and are inalienable and integral part of China. Nepal’s stance is clear that it not only respects one-China policy in principle but also does not allow in its territories any kind of activities that are contradictory to this policy.
The adherence to the one-China policy is Nepal’s long cherished foreign policy that sends the message to the world that despite being small in size Nepal’s policy and stance is firm and consistent in fostering peaceful and cooperative atmosphere in the world in general and in its neighborhood in particular. Being an active member of the United Nations, Nepal strictly adheres to the UN Charter that always seeks national unity and territorial integrity of all member countries and does not support any kind of separatist activities anywhere in the world. One-China policy is the reflection of the respect to the UN Charter, which is a basis of Nepal’s foreign policy. Departing from this policy and any kind of efforts to encourage and instigate activities to destabilize any country is in violation of the spirit and provision of the UN Charter and international principles of diplomacy and international laws. Thus, the one-China policy Nepal has adopted is strictly in consistency with the international instruments, which should also be followed by all other countries in the world without double standard and hypocrisy.