Trade potential between Nepal and China is enormous: Dr. Gao

By Raman Paudel, Kathmandu, Dec. 1: China respects the Nepali people's independent and autonomous choice of their country's development path and direction, and will not interfere in Nepal's internal affairs, said Dr. Gao Liang, Vice Director of the Centre for Nepal Studies at Sichuan University, China.

Dr. Gao, who undertook a doctoral dissertation on governance of the Tarai in Nepal, frequently visits Nepal. A prominent Chinese scholar on Sino-Nepal affairs, Dr. Gao said that China has always paid close attention to developments in Nepal.

Dr. Gao said that he also closely observed the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9, adding that China was deeply concerned about political instability caused by the movement. 

"Based on my observations, the root causes of the Gen Z protest movement lie in Nepal's long-standing economic and social development issues, representing a total eruption of accumulated contradictions across various sectors," he said. 

According to him, the social media ban was merely a trigger. "Lagging economic development and social inequalities have left young people without a hope for the future, leading to extreme disappointment—even despair—that has fueled the intense protests," he said.

He further said that China has always emphasised the importance of a stable government for development and cooperation.

"I believe that people in Nepal have a deep understanding of the various problems and challenges brought by long-term political instability. The "stable policy" does not change with government transitions. It is essential prerequisite for further deepening and consolidating cooperation between our two countries," he said. 

He hoped that Nepal will gradually move toward long-term political stability.He said despite difficult topographies hindering easy road connectivity between Nepal and China, bilateral trade between the two countries has achieved significant growth in recent years. 

"The trade potential between our two countries is enormous, and facilitating transportation connectivity will be an important condition for promoting Nepal's economy," he said. 

He said China was willing to engage in pragmatic cooperation with Nepal, and China has already made full preparations in terms of policies and infrastructure on the Chinese side.

"However, no cooperation is one-sided. The main difficulty at present lies in Nepal needing to form a high level of political consensus on connectivity issues and demonstrate strong political determination," he said.

He said Nepal's unique geopolitical environment is a long-standing and undeniable fact. "But whether Nepal is a victim or a beneficiary is not entirely determined by other countries. Being surrounded by major powers and positioned at the forefront of global great-power strategic competition is certainly a constraint, but it is also an opportunity," he said. Nepal itself can maximise its national interests through flexible diplomatic strategies, he added.

He said he has witnessed a broad consensus among Nepalis on strengthening relations with China, and this consensus has continued to expand over time. 

He further said the rail lines which pass through the China-Nepal border, could be boosted for the China-Nepal railway project. However, from the current situation, the pace on the Nepali side has clearly not kept up with the Chinese side. 

"I have always firmly believed that the rail project will be the game-changer in Sino-Nepal relations. But the practical difficulties still need to be addressed one by one in a pragmatic manner," he added. 

He further said the improvement in China-India relations is certainly positive news for Nepal, meaning greater space and opportunities. The Kalapani issue is a matter that needs to be resolved through negotiations between Nepal and India. China holds no special position on it, and has no intention to alter the status quo.

( Click here for the detailed interview )