Nepal-China relations in seven decades

Yuba Nath Lamsal:-- This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. The two neighbours formalized ties in 1955, although their contact goes back to prehistoric times. Legend has it that the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake with no human settlement, until Manjushree, a monk from the upper Tibetan plateau, drained its waters to make way for human habitation. That settlement flourished and eventually expanded to become the nation of Nepal. Buddhism played a central role in bringing Nepal and China closer, with Buddhist monks and scholars serving as key bridges. Chinese pilgrims such as Fa-hsien, Seng Tsai, Chi Meng, and Huan Tsang visited Nepal at various points in history, documenting its people, art and Buddhist heritage. These travel accounts enhanced Nepal’s profile among the Chinese population. Nepali Buddhist scholar Buddha Bhadra also travelled to China and spread Buddhist teachings in Tibet and beyond. According to historian Vijaya Kumar Manandhar, the contact between Nepal and China began in the fifth century, while political ties started only in the seventh century. A milestone came when Nepali King Amshuvarma married his daughter, Princess Bhrikuti, to the powerful Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This matrimonial alliance contributed to bringing the two nations closer. Since then, Nepal has served as a bridge between two of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations—India in the south and China in the north. China is an ancient civilization with a recorded history of more than 4,000 years. Right from the birth of civilization, the ties between Nepal and China have remained cordial, cooperative and friendly. The relations between these two countries are, therefore, civilizational. Trade and culture have further strengthened these bonds. During the Malla period, Nepal enjoyed thriving trade with Tibet. In the 13th century, artist and architect Araniko led over 80 Nepali artisans to Beijing and made Nepali art and architecture popular in China. Arniko built several pagoda buildings and temples in China. His most celebrated work, the Miaoying Temple—also known as the White Dagoba Temple—remains a Beijing landmark even today. According to historian Vijaya Kumar Manandhar, the contact between Nepal and China began in the fifth century, while political ties started only in the seventh century. Nepal–China relations evolved steadily under various regimes and rulers in Kathmandu. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, who unified Nepal and laid the foundation of modern Nepal, famously described Nepal as “a yam between two boulders,” advising his successors to maintain friendly ties with China while remaining cautious of British India to the south. His geopolitical wisdom remains relevant today, requiring Nepal to navigate a delicate position between its two powerful neighbours. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955 ushered in a new chapter. Since then, bilateral ties have deepened through high-level exchanges, development partnerships and growing cooperation. China has become an important development partner, contributing significantly to Nepal’s infrastructure and economic growth. China has passed through many ups and downs in its history. Its entry into the modern age came with the success of the Chinese Revolution in 1949, led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). Following the victory, Mao Zedong famously declared, “China has stood up.” Indeed, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has emerged as a proud and determined nation on the world stage. Since its founding, the PRC has seen five generations of leadership—Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping—each leaving a distinct mark on the country’s history. Today, China is already a global power, advancing rapidly in economic, military and technological spheres. It is the world’s second-largest economy and is poised to rise to the top position in the coming years. Alongside its rise, China has developed its own approach to global engagement, particularly in forging partnerships with countries of the Global South. Economic diplomacy has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy toward these nations. While Nepal has, in principle, endorsed the BRI, no specific projects have yet been finalized under it so far. The two countries are yet to agree on the BRI implementation framework. Under President Jinping, China has launched several flagship initiatives to enhance connectivity and cooperation with the Global South. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which Beijing terms a part of its international obligation, is one such initiative. The BRI consists of two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Together, they aim to connect regions through highways, railways, ports, airports, digital infrastructure, and other development projects in partner countries. In addition to the BRI, China has announced the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). According to China, the GDI is a multilateral development platform designed to help Global South nations achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The GCI seeks to foster dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, offering an alternative to Western doctrines such as Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations”. However, more clarity is needed on the GSI and what it exactly aims to achieve, especially in terms of security. While Nepal has, in principle, endorsed the BRI, no specific projects have yet been finalized under it so far. The two countries are yet to agree on the BRI implementation framework. The progress of BRI implementation has also hit a snag due to the ongoing debate over grant versus credit. As close neighbors and long-standing friends, Nepal and China share many common understandings. Nepal is committed to the One-China policy, both in principle and in practice, while China appears mindful of Nepal’s geopolitical sensitivities. With China firmly on the path to prosperity, Nepal needs to take advantage of its neighbor’s growth. At the same time, China should also contribute more to Nepal’s development, as its prosperity will have less significance when its neighborhood remains in poverty and backwardness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lamsal is a former journalist turned diplomat. He served as Nepal’s Ambassador to Denmark. This article was originally published in Himal Press on August 11. To read the original one, please visit: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5818798988973371262/5682922055723643015