Nepal: No dictates from China, only suggestions!

TGW Analyst

Kathmandu: Though the picture is not yet clear and is yet to take a formal shape, however, it appears that Nepal as a nation-state though in the hands of “ever quarrelling” leaders housed in the abhorrent Seven Party Alliances, is all set to invite China in Nepal in a big way much to the chagrin of Nepal’s “acclaimed” traditional neighbor-India.

Such an invitation to the friendly northern neighbor is in the larger interest of the people and the nation, claim analysts.

How much pain and concern the Indian establishment would have to undergo in that eventuality is any body’s guess.

The pain is logical for the Indian establishment which twisted the Nepali arms as and when it so desired will soon have a well “competing” match in Kathmandu to face.

This is almost clear and very much visible the manner the Chinese authorities in Beijing have begun taking interest in the over all proceedings and the impediments seen in the “peace process” of this India-locked country.

The Chinese delegations in series that are visiting this country more so after the UNMIN’s miserable failure in handling the “assigned duties” and at times even “exceeding” the limits, China has plausible reasons to be “careful” as any political upheaval in this country will have a direct impact upon its own security interests as well.

Chinese concern as regards the increase in the Terai violence has also pretty annoyed the Chinese establishment of late for political reasons.

Nevertheless, China is not a country sans sensitive. She too has some “genuine” concerns attached with its security interests in this country and thus China’s increasing interest exhibited in the current scheme of political events happening in this country must and should not be taken otherwise.

If India so nakedly possess the right to intervene into Nepali affairs every now and then and under some pretext or the other, why not China? However, look at the sagacity of Chinese authorities that they have “appealed” and “suggested” all the major political parties to work together to keep the “peace process on track.

This is not all, China has further said that “we don’t want to interfere in Nepal’s affairs” and that it should be the Nepalese and Nepalese alone who should chart their future.

Dr. Wang practically suggested all the leaders whom he met during his short trip here that they should unite for the larger interest of this country.

What a contrast in Indian dictates and the Chinese modest and polite suggestions.

To come to the point, Nepal’s foreign minister Mrs. Sahana Pradhan-considered to be very close to the Chinese establishment-had reasons to “extend” warn and hearty welcome to the visiting Chinese dignitary-Dr. Wang Jiarui-the minister of International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and that minister Pradhan spared no efforts in making the China’s high level delegation a grand success.

To recall, after the Interim government took shape in Nepal last year, Prime Minister Koirala made a “customary” visit to India.

The Indian establishment made it a point not to allow the “entrance” of Nepal’s foreign minister Mrs. Pradhan at any of the “secret” meets of Nepal’s prime minister with the Indian ministers.

Naturally, Mrs. Pradhan felt that she was not only humiliated but insulted as well.

It should be in this light Mrs. Pradhan’s fervent “appeal” to the visiting Chinese minister that China extends the railway links from Lhasa to the adjoining Nepal border be taken.

The minister not only gave his positive nod to this Nepali plea but also assured the minister that China will also keep on watching “unfolding” political developments in Nepal from close quarters.

In effect, analysts claim that if such a railway linkage is there, that would not only benefit Nepal but China will also penetrate into the ever expanding market of Nepal. This is called “mutual benefit”, analysts say.

At a reception thrown in honor of Dr. Wang Jiarui by the Nepal China Society, the Chinese minister said, among other things, that “his country has always good neighborly policy” acquired in regard to China’s relations with its immediate neighbors.

In saying so the minister perhaps hints others in the vicinity to toe the Chinese line on how to “behave with the neighbors”. To recall, China has never been a burden to Nepal, however, others have been as would be suggested by the frequent and most unwanted visits of Saran, Bhadauria, Yechuri and the likes who come here and serve at times even “ultimatum” to the Indo-pendent leaders of Nepal.

Unlike the Indian establishment which talks different to different political parties, China suggested the Nepali leaders to “improve the livelihood of the Nepali people through maintaining economic development and restoring a sort of permanent peace in the country”.

Dr. Wang hinted the Nepali leaders to remain in “dialogue” in order to sort out their differences.

This should mean that China wants a united leadership in Nepal that could get the country out from the current deadlock by shunning their political preferences and differences.

Summing up his five minutes comments at the program organized by the Nepal China Society, Dr. Wang assured Nepal that China would “ever” remain a good friend and neighbor as well.

Perhaps the message is loud and clear to the establishment on the other side of the border.

The President of Nepal China Society, Mr. Ram Babu Tiwari said that “we are pretty optimistic that China will extend every possible support to Nepal to successfully materialize its aspirations”. He also opined that Nepal China friendship should be taken as a model as the two countries had two different systems and different level of development but yet were “good friends” having “no problems and issues” between them to sort out.

The program was well attended by high ranking bureaucrats, MPs, the Maoists, media men, lawyers, constitutional experts and many others.

Analysts say that such high level Chinese delegations must continue in the future as well in order to minimize the “unitary influence” that is there for all to see of a single country in Nepal’s immediate neighborhood.

India must have begun sweating, analysts say.

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