By Leela Mani Paudyal
The diplomatic relations established between Nepal and China in August 1995 was a continuation of the historic relations between Nepal and China since thousands of years and the aspirations of both sides to align their foreign policy with the changing needs of evolving international relations in the aftermath of the establishment of People’s republic of China in 1949 and abolition of Rana Oligarch in Nepal in 1950. The Bangdung conference of 29 Asian and African countries, including Nepal, China and India held in April 1955, that concluded with 10 points declaration affirming the principles like respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence remained defining moment for the establishment of diplomatic relations between these neighbors. The establishment of diplomatic relations with China for Nepal was, opportunity to assert sovereign independence as the oldest sovereign country in south Asia and to manifest her international relations to the neighborhood and beyond based on the principle of coexistence, sovereign equality and non-aggregation. For China, in my mind, it was an opportunity to exemplify that the newly established People’s Republic pursues her foreign policy based on the principle of peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, non-aggregation and harmony with the neighbors irrespective of political ideology, demography and military might. As a result of maintaining amity, goodwill and harmony in the neighborhood, Nepal was the first neighbor of China to delineate border amicably and signed the border treaty in 1961. The diplomatic relation between Nepal and China is founded on deep-rooted cultural, economic and political ties with civilizational exchanges between the two societies since thousands of years.
Both the countries have been striving for harmonious relations irrespective of the significant and several changes occurred in the domestic, regional and global arena. This observance of the core interest of the other sides, good neighborliness and mutual trust would help maintain a trouble-free relationship between them. Both the neighbors stood test of time and were able to advance their relations consistently to maturity during the past 70 years of diplomatic relations. China never ever supported, covert or overt, to any destabilizing forces in Nepal and never intervene in her internal political and economic matters. China stood firm on Nepal’s sovereign independence, and generously supported for peace, stability and development of Nepal as per the aspirations of Nepali people. Nepal on the other hand adhered to the one China principle and firm on not allowing her soil against China. They have maintained closure cooperation in the international platforms on their issues of mutual interest and concern. Mutual respect, non-interference, good neighborliness and respect of core interest and sensitivities of either side remained a hallmark of the relations between the two sides. More importantly, their relations are nurtured on the basis of UN charter and the five principles of peaceful coexistence.
Several agreements, were signed and understandings were reached at the highest political level in order for strengthening mutually beneficial co-operations during those 70 years period. The treaties and agreements not exclusively include the peace and friendship treaty, border treaty, transport and transit agreement and MoU on Belt and Road Initiative. In additions to the cooperation agreements were signed in economy, culture, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education, health, infrastructure and so on so forth.
The world has experienced a metamorphosis of international relations. The global governance and global order evolved after the WWII in 1945 and new order emerged after the fall of Soviet Union in 1990 is receding and the new order is yet to take it shape. The significance of this metamorphosis is paramount importance for Nepal because of the main architect of this new order is the immediate neighbor and long-time friend of Nepal, the China. Nepal requires to calibrate her international relations aligned with the changed dynamics. May I recommend the following nine-points for the consideration of policy makers that can augment the bilateral relations to be best suited for both sides to secure peace and prosperity in the trans-Himalayan region and contribute to the global peace and prosperity!
- Both sides to strive for result oriented time-bound implementations of all the agreements and understandings reached in the spirit of ‘strategic cooperative partnership for development and prosperity’ under the framework of ‘Trans-himalayan multidimensional connectivity network’.
- Replace the peace and friendship treaty of 1906s with a new treaty in order to align with the evolving global dynamics that Nepal and China can play as the catalysts of peace, harmony, prosperity and stability of the region and beyond.
- Constitute a nonpartisan multidisciplinary professional bilateral commission to explore the potential cooperation areas including one or two mega game changing projects, cooperation modalities, and time frame, and to suggest appropriate framework for effective implementation of the agreements.
- Nepal shall constitute a special purpose vehicle empowered by a sunset law for unimpeded implementation of maximum two game changer projects as recommended by the commission prescribed in the paragraph three.
- Both sides should endeavor and ensure that the existing bilateral mechanisms are fully functional, with explicit time-bound action plans
- Both sides shall encourage people to people exchange with conducive policy environment that includes in the field of think-tanks, cultural, educational, art, literature etc.
- To maintain high level political trust and contact including the visits of Head of State and Governments, both ways.
- Both sides shall collaborate on global and regional issues of their mutual interest.
- Nepal may seek non-reciprocal treatment from China in trade, technology and investment.
China may require to continue champaign for making the new global order which is more peaceful, just and equitable by garnering support from entire global south where the voices of smaller nations be heard. Nepal shall support such endeavor from China.
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.
(Asia Pacific Daily)
The writer is former Chief Secretary of the Nepal Government and former Ambassador to China.
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