Beijing Correspondent
Intending to enhance collaboration and understanding between China and Nepal, the Nepali Embassy in Beijing hosted an insightful discussion program on Friday entitled “Nepal-China Relations: Challenges and Prospects,” which was attended by distinguished Chinese academics and Nepalese professionals from various fields.
Addressing the interaction, Nepal’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, underscored the necessity for a nuanced approach to collaboration amidst the prevailing geopolitical complexities. He emphasized the shared cultural heritage and the mutual aspiration for cooperative diplomacy between the two nations.
He underscored that the evolving dynamics in South Asia, characterized by the ascendancy of China and India, alongside the strategic presence of the USA, pose both challenges and opportunities for Nepal. Ambassador Shrestha stressed Nepal’s endeavor to harness the benefits of engaging with China while ensuring no harm to India’s core interests.
Highlighting the historical camaraderie and Nepal’s unwavering commitment to the ‘One China Policy/Principle,’ Ambassador Shrestha advocated for deeper economic engagement and knowledge exchange with China. He reiterated Nepal’s openness to Chinese investment across various sectors crucial to national development.
Integral to this cooperative framework are initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, which facilitate enhanced people-to-people interactions and infrastructural development.
Ambassador Shrestha called upon Nepal’s political parties to adopt a unified stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning neighboring nations, to maximize mutual benefits.
Former Ambassador Leela Mani Paudyal provided a comprehensive assessment of Nepal-China relations, stressing the importance of a think-tank-driven approach and factual understanding to navigate contemporary challenges.
Former envoy Paudyal emphasized that China and Nepal’s’ extensive relations were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation featuring Everlasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity in October 2019.
He claimed that although a strategic alliance was intended to promote growth and prosperity, the trans-Himalayan multidimensional connectivity network did not have the desired effects.
Despite being the second-biggest source of tourism in Nepal, the number of Chinese visitors is not growing as expected. The trend that is cause for concern is that Nepal is seeing a lot fewer Chinese tourists than the tiny nation of Maldives.
Prof. Zhang Shubin, Director of the Nepal Study Center at Hebei University of Economics & Business, emphasized the imperative of unity in Nepal’s foreign policy, urging focused implementation plans for initiatives like the BRI.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Chen Xiaochen from East China Normal University highlighted the need for pragmatic implementation strategies and cross-border comparative studies to address implementation hurdles effectively.
Professor Wang Bo from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) underscored the mutual enthusiasm for collaboration between Nepal and China, emphasizing the significance of respecting each other’s sovereignty and translating aspirations into tangible action plans.
Professor Han Hua from Peking University emphasized the evolving regional dynamics, stressing the need for China to adapt to emerging challenges and explore collaborative avenues with Nepal for shared development.
Professor Wang Shengli, the former director of the Confucious Institute in Nepal, emphasized the role of education in fostering bilateral ties, highlighting the contribution of Nepali students in promoting cultural exchange through initiatives like the Confucius Institute.
Experts from both sides agreed that fostering a knowledge-based understanding and a cooperative spirit is paramount for realizing the full potential of China-Nepal relations, transcending geopolitical complexities towards shared prosperity and development.
The deputy chief of mission at the Embassy, Mr. Surendra Yadav conveyed the embassy’s gratitude for the thoughtful conversation and information exchange. He anticipated that these exchanges would improve mutual understanding and enable both parties to develop appropriate policies and implementation strategies.
