68 Years Of Nepal-China Diplomatic Ties

The first of August marks the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. The diplomatic relationship is founded on deep-rooted cultural, and economic ties that date back to more than two thousand years, from the periods of Buddha and Confucius. Luminaries crossed treacherous mountains, deep gorges, roaring rivers, and the mighty Himalayas, risking their lives in pursuit of knowledge and civilisational exchanges. Nepal and China evolved amidst the world’s two most ancient civilisations to the south and northeast of the Himalayas, respectively. The Himalayas have never been a barrier for their civilisational exchanges.

Over the past 68 years of diplomatic ties between the two immediate neighbours the bilateral relations have happily developed steadily, withstanding the test of time despite significant changes in domestic,  global and regional situations. Both countries adhere to the UN charter and the five principles of peaceful coexistence and firmly believe in the peaceful resolution of bilateral and global disputes. They stand united against hegemony and the use of power by stronger nations against weaker ones. Mutual respect, sovereign independence, and respect for each other's territorial integrity remain at the core of their relationship.

Nestled between its two prominent neighbors, China and India, with vast disparities in geography, economy, and military strength, Nepal has always been acutely sensitive of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Nepali people take immense pride in their history of never being colonised, making them one of the most ancient nation-states in the world.

China, as a good neighbor, has consistently proven to be a trustworthy ally, unequivocally expressing its commitment to respecting Nepal's sovereignty. Shortly after China became the People's Republic, the Commander of the People's Liberation Army in Lhasa conveyed a message from Mao Zedong to the King of Nepal through the Nepali envoy in Lhasa in 1950 that China had no intentions of territorial expansion into Nepal.

Throughout successive leadership, from the era of Mao Zedong to the current leadership of Xi Jinping, China has consistently reaffirmed its respect for Nepal's territorial integrity. This viewpoint has even been acknowledged by an Indian Foreign Secretary and former Ambassador to China, who writes, "China showed no desire for territorial acquisitions in Nepal. As for Nepal, it had a natural connection to its north as much as to its south, and its prosperity had traditionally depended on trade with Tibet. It also saw itself as most secure when it could play the balance-of-power game in the Himalayas" (VIJAY GOKHALE, OCTOBER 04, 2021).

Nepal has maintained firm commitment to the One China policy, acknowledging that Hong Kong and Taiwan are integral parts of China, and Xinjiang and Tibet are internal matters of China. Additionally, Nepal has consistently assured China that its soil will not be used against their interest. This long-standing assurance of both sides on their core interests have fostered a relationship of mutual trust and respect between them.  

China and Nepal share a common aspiration for peace, development, and prosperity in the trans-Himalayan region, fostering a strong bond between the two neighboring countries. As the world's second-largest economy, China has been continuously progressing towards socio-economic transformation. But some countries view China's rise as a potential threat to them and has been resorting their power to halt its aspirations.

Contrastingly, China's development has created new opportunities for Nepal. China has been consistently supporting in Nepal's social, economic, and cultural development endeavors, becoming an invaluable partner in Nepal's pursuit of prosperity. Today, China stands as Nepal's largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), second-largest source of tourism, second-largest trade partner and a major development partner.

During Nepal's devastating earthquake in 2015, China sent the most experienced and highly professional search and rescue team immediately after the disaster and also provided the largest amount of funds— of more than 50 billion rupees, for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the infrastructure damaged by the earthquake. 

Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China became the largest contributor of vaccines and essential supplies despite the acute shortage of vaccines and life support materials globally. 

Nepal gifted N-95 masks to China before the pandemic erupted in Nepal when the latter was facing severe challenges due to the outbreak in early 2020. The two nations stand as friends in times of need, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, solidarity, and a commitment to helping each other. 

In 2017, both countries signed a MoU to jointly develop the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and promoting multidimensional connectivity across the Himalayas. The BRI, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to foster connectivity and mutual development interests.

During President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to Nepal in 2019, Nepal-China relations were elevated to a 'Strategic cooperative partnership featuring everlasting friendship for development and prosperity.' More than 50 agreements have been signed during past eight years, covering all gamut of life that represent the common aspirations for peace, development and prosperity of the people in the region.

Since 2019, there have been no visits at the highest political level, primarily due to movement restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese investments have reportedly faced some policy impediments in recent times. Additionally, there are feeble but disgruntled voices expressing concerns about the slow implementation of important agreements signed and passivity of the mechanisms constituted to foster the potential opportunities.

However, it is essential to note that the people and leadership of Nepal have consistently shown unity and support in promoting relations with China since the establishment of diplomatic ties, maintaining the principled relations with China that have spanned almost seven decades. And this spirit is crucial for Nepal's continued stability and progress.

Nepal should look at its relations with China independently and avoid being swayed by narratives based on China-bashing or the China-threat theory. Focusing on constructive engagement is vital for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. 

A high-level visit from Nepal to China eagerly awaits to be convened at the earliest mutually convenient time. During the visit, the leaders could renew their mutual trust and reaffirm their commitment to support each other's core interests and concerns. It is crucial for both countries to exert utmost efforts in expediting the implementation of agreements and understandings signed in recent years, upholding the spirit of a 'strategic partnership of cooperation featuring everlasting friendship for development and prosperity.'

Nepal-China relations should contribute to peace, development, and prosperity in the trans-Himalayan region, serving the best interests of both the countries. Nepal stands to gain immense benefits from continued and enhanced relations with China. The relationship between the two countries is not directed against any third party; it solely aims to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

May Nepal-China relations flourish forever and serve as an exemplary model of cordial relations between two neighbors of significantly different size, economy, and demography. Long live Nepal-China friendship.

(Paudyal is former Chief Secretary and former ambassador of Nepal to China.)