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Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and drafter of the Declaration of Independence, once said: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”  More than two centuries later, Jefferson’s words resonate even more deeply.

They underscore the paramount importance of press freedom in any democratic society.  In Nepal’s context, it is worth recalling Nepali Congress (NC) founding leader BP Koirala’s understanding of media freedom.  It is widely reported that Koirala welcomed journalists of all political and ideological stripes and even encouraged them to write critically about his own government.  This article explores the two broad dimensions of Nepal’s current media landscape: the growing threats to the media industry and why safeguarding press freedom is more urgent than ever.

Nepali media is confronting a multitude of threats, from political repression and physical attacks to shrinking revenues and rising disinformation. These are not isolated incidents but part of a growing pattern. Unfortunately, the society and many politicians continue to treat press freedom as a concern of the media fraternity alone. This is a dangerous misconception. When media freedom deteriorates, it affects not just journalists but the functioning of all domestic institutions.

The executive, legislature, judiciary and even international stakeholders should be alarmed by the decline in press freedom because it ultimately erodes public trust, transparency and accountability. Democracy and media freedom are symbiotic; one cannot survive without the other. Protecting media freedom has become more important today than ever due to democratic backsliding, digital autocracy, the spread of disinformation, geopolitical tensions and the global rise of authoritarian populism. 

From Europe to Africa and Asia, populist leaders are attacking the media. Populism thrives on emotion, lies, fake nationalism, anti-immigration rhetoric, attack on the state institutions and discrediting the mainstream independent media. As a recent study by the Reuters Institute stated, populist politicians around the world are increasingly able to bypass traditional journalism in favor of the friendly partisan media, personalities and influences who often get special access but rarely ask difficult questions, with many implicated in spreading false narrative or worse.

V cv In Nepal, the dual pressure from state and non-state actors are steadily weakening independent media. In the name of regulation, politicians are introducing restrictive laws designed to limit media freedom.  In several instances, politicians are discrediting traditional media for not aligning with their agendas. At the same time, advertising revenues are drying up with both audiences and advertisers migrating to digital platforms. This shift has left mainstream media struggling to sustain high-quality journalism. The situation is worsened by corporate interests, which often seek to undermine critical reporting that expose malpractices of the business houses. 

The Reuters Institute report states that engagement with traditional media sources such as TV, print and news websites continue to fall, while dependence on social media, video platforms and online aggregators is growing. Disinformation is another major challenge that Nepal’s media industry is struggling with. Malicious actors are not only spreading fake news to discredit independent media but also flooding the digital space with misleading content that confuses the people.

This is ultimately eroding people’s trust in journalism. Independent media is not only battling disinformation aimed at undermining their credibility but also bearing the crucial responsibility of combating the falsehoods that threaten society at large.

In the name of regulating social media, the government is introducing tighter laws, which have put it on a collision course with the media. People in the government are applying the same framework to traditional media (print, radio and television) as they do to online platforms and social media, despite their fundamentally different natures. Today, as democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the need for an independent and vibrant media has never been more urgent. 

Like elsewhere, people’s trust and confidence in democracy is dwindling, which is a cause for concern. From federal to local level, there are growing incidents of abuse of power by the elected representatives as well as bureaucrats. To hold them accountable, journalists must be allowed to work in an environment free from violence, threats and political interference. The state should support investigative journalism, not suppress it.  

Corruption, meanwhile, poses perhaps the greatest internal threat to Nepal’s democracy because it is wrecking the integrity, professionalism and image of the state institutions. Only an empowered media can investigate and expose such malpractices. However, journalists doing investigative stories are facing intimidation. The growing disinformation has emerged as a risk factor everywhere including in Nepal. 

A limited number of fact-checking organizations cannot tackle the problem of this magnitude, given their limited reach, resource and impact. In countries where the media’s economic health is sound, independent media are doing the fast-checking works. In our cases, big media houses are yet to work out a solution to stop a large-scale disinformation campaign.

The business sector has become both a victim and perpetrator of disinformation. Honest enterprises are being hurt by misleading narratives, while others are trying to discredit the media to protest their own unethical practices. Only a free and independent press can serve the larger interests of the business community by circulating accurate, credible information and promoting transparency in the market. 

Climate change, one of the most urgent global challenges, is also tightly connected to democracy which affects the economy, further contributes to inequality, leads to political instability and undermines people’s trust in the government.

Protecting natural resources and ensuring their responsible use is critical for both environmental sustainability and democratic governance. Here too, the media can play a vital role. Investigative reporting is crucial in holding those degrading the environment accountable and in pressuring governments to act responsibly. However, journalists covering climate issues are facing threats and safety concerns.  Efforts to combat the climate crisis will not be effective without a free press.

In conclusion, Nepal urgently needs a vibrant independent and fearless media to protect and strengthen its democracy. But, the worrying factor is political parties and their leaders. They once fought for democracy and press freedom, but are now trying to curtail it. They must remember a weakened media leads to a weakened democracy. Press freedom is not a favor to journalists, it is a necessary investment in the health of our democratic future. 

Two opposition parties, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), continue to disrupt Parliament proceedings, demanding resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over his alleged involvement in a visit-visa scam. 

The main opposition, CPN (Maoist Center), which initially joined the opposition chorus for Lekhak’s resignation, however, has backtracked from its stance after signing a vague agreement with the ruling parties, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML. It is apparent the Maoist move is aimed at fostering better relations with the NC. Maoist leaders believe closer ties with the NC could eventually lead to a coalition shift.  For now, however, the NC-UML alliance remains stable without immediate threats.

Royalist forces are scrambling to revive their campaign to bring back monarchy and Hindu state. They are even considering replacing octogenarian leader Nava Raj Subedi, who was appointed by former King Gyanendra Shah but failed to galvanize the movement. Shah himself has remained silent after the royalist protests he backed stalled. Two senior RPP leaders, Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana—arrested for their alleged role in the violence that took place during the March 28 royalist protest— have been released on bail.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari held a lengthy meeting to defuse their recent public spat. Senior UML leaders have urged both to avoid airing their differences openly. Bhandari’s growing political activity, including a recent visit to China where she met senior Chinese Communist Party officials, has reportedly unsettled Oli.

As Israel-Iran tensions escalate, concerns are growing for the safety of around 5,500 Nepali workers in Israel and two dozen in Iran. The government is preparing contingency plans for their evacuation if the situation worsens. Nepal lacks robust mechanisms for overseas rescues, and the Foreign Ministry is ill-equipped to handle such crises. Authorities are now compiling a list of those seeking repatriation from Israel.

This week, a UNFPA report revealed that despite a preference for larger families, Nepal’s fertility rate has dropped to two children per woman across all demographics. High living costs, job insecurity and unaffordable housing are key factors. Meanwhile, National Statistics Office data shows rapid demographic aging, with the 60+ population rising from 8.1 percent in 2011 to 10.3 percent in 2021. Policymakers have yet to address these long-term challenges.

The US government has yet to finalize its decision on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, despite the 90-day review period ending. Over 85 US aid programs to Nepal have already been cut. However, the US Embassy in Kathmandu clarified that an exception allows MCC implementation to continue pending the review’s outcome. Discontinuing the MCC could further damage America’s credibility in Nepal, where politicians risked their careers to endorse the controversial deal.

The 16th meeting of the Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (BCGSI) is underway in Pune, focusing on defense cooperation and equipment procurement. Regular meetings signal normalized bilateral ties. Last year’s talks were held in Pokhara.

A Nepali Congress delegation, led by Bal Bahadur KC, visited China at the invitation of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. According to the Chinese readout, Sun Haiyan, vice-minister of the party, said that CPC is willing to work with the NC and other major political parties in Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. KC said that Nepal attaches great importance to developing relations with China, always regards China as a good neighbor, good partner and firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

Nepal’s power trade is making progress one after another. With rising water levels in major rivers and accelerated snowmelt following the onset of the monsoon, power generation by hydropower projects in the country is gradually increasing, enabling the country to resume power exports to India and Bangladesh. 

According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), daily exports have now reached 350 MW. Of this, 40 MW is being sent to Bangladesh via India, and the remaining is being exported to various Indian states including Haryana and Bihar. Since Sunday, NEA has been exporting 200 MW and 80 MW, respectively, to the Indian states of Haryana and Bihar. Additionally, it has been supplying up to 30 MW daily to the Indian power exchange market. 

Air pollution is the number one risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, according to a new report from the World Bank (WB). Tilted ‘Toward Clean Air in Nepal: Benefits, Pollution Sources and Solutions’, the report serves as a foundational assessment of air pollution in the country and the airshed of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF). The report also calls for cross-sectoral policies and cost-effective solutions to address pollution.

RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently in judicial custody, faced another case this week in connection with a cooperative fraud case at the Parsa district court. Lamichhane is currently being held at the Bhairahawa prison. The district attorney’s office, Parsa, has registered a case against 29 individuals, including Lamichhane, alleging embezzlement of Rs 1.324bn from the Sano Paila Savings and Loan Cooperative Society in Birgunj. Prosecutors claim Lamichhane is responsible for Rs 115m of the missing funds.

At a time when public trust in state institutions is dwindling, Nepal’s Parliament has remained completely dysfunctional for over two weeks. Opposition parties are obstructing proceedings, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the visit-visa scam—despite a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the scandal.

Parliamentary obstruction, regardless of pretext, undermines public confidence—a chronic issue since the restoration of democracy in 1990. The problem is not just the current deadlock; if political parties are truly committed to strengthening the system, they must refrain from such disruptions and allow the people’s representatives to function independently. 

Due to incessant power struggles, the parliament has been unable to legislate or provide effective oversight of state mechanisms. There must be a broad consensus among parties to end this practice, or public faith in the political system will further erode. Citizens expect substantive debates on pressing issues—not political theatrics. Negotiations between the Nepali Congress and opposition parties suggest a possible compromise. However, forming panels to investigate controversies has become a hollow ritual, with little impact over the past three decades.

Meanwhile, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken a proactive stance, filing corruption cases one after another—raising hopes of accountability in a system plagued by graft. If sustained, these efforts could help curb corruption, a major threat to Nepal’s democracy.

Within the CPN-UML, a debate over a proposed 70-year age limit for party leadership has resurfaced as the party prepares for its statute convention. While some advocate for the cap, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli (74) appears set to seek re-election as party president. Meanwhile, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari dismissed reports of growing tensions with Oli during her visit to eastern Nepal. Observers are closely watching whether the two will reach a consensus or engage in a leadership contest, as dissenting UML leaders rally behind Bhandari.

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) has performed Nepal’s first successful male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. The six-hour procedure, conducted on a 25-year-old transgender patient from Janakpur, involved reconstructing female genitalia using male genital tissues. The surgery was part of a special camp organized by TUTH’s Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Dr Jayan Man Shrestha, head of the department, announced plans to establish a dedicated gender affirmation clinic to provide comprehensive care for transgender individuals.

Monarchist forces, which had staged protests in recent months, have largely suspended their campaign. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden cited the monsoon season as a reason to halt large demonstrations. However, deep divisions within the royalist camp have also surfaced, with leaders airing grievances on social media. While King Gyanendra and his supporters had framed the protests as decisive, internal debates now question whether the RPP should continue advocating for monarchy and a Hindu state. Some argue that, given the improbability of restoring the monarchy, the party should pivot to corruption and development issues ahead of the 2027 elections—a relief for mainstream parties wary of royalist resurgence.

The Prime Minister’s Office has raised concerns over unauthorized staff appointments at Tribhuvan International Airport’s Immigration Office, following a complaint to the CIAA. The Home Ministry stands accused of exceeding approved quotas in multiple departments, including immigration.

Within the Nepali Congress, rival factions continue to voice discontent with the ruling coalition. Senior leader Shekhar Koirala has called for the NC to lead the government, citing the country’s deteriorating situation. Though General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa and Koirala recently held talks, they remain at odds. Both, however, are pressuring party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to convene a timely general convention. Despite internal friction, the coalition government faces no immediate threat.

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has begun drafting its monetary policy for FY 2025-26, consulting stakeholders for input. The new governor, Biswo Poudel, has pledged to align monetary policy with fiscal goals while strengthening financial oversight. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel expressed confidence in improved policy coordination to tackle economic challenges.

Photo: S Paul Kapur, who has been picked by the Donald Trump administration for the key post of Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs

It has been nearly six months since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Since then, he has issued dozens of executive orders that have significantly impacted America’s relationship with the rest of the world.

The Trump administration’s decision to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has had major repercussions in Nepal, leading to the cancellation of dozens of projects. Similarly, two projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Nepal remain in limbo as the new administration has yet to make a final decision.

Engagement between the two countries has been minimal, particularly after the retirement of Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Donald Lu just before Trump’s inauguration—a position that remains unfilled.

Now, the Trump administration has nominated S Paul Kapur, who is currently undergoing a congressional hearing and is expected to soon take charge of South Asian affairs. A close examination of speeches by senior US officials, including the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, as well as Kapur’s statements before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, suggests that the “China factor” will heavily influence Trump’s South Asia policy—including toward Nepal. 

In fact, countering China has emerged as the Trump administration’s primary focus across Asia. Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother, Kapur is regarded as a South Asia expert. He has authored several books on the region’s security dynamics and US policy. From 2020-2021, Kapur served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, working on issues related to South and Central Asia, Indo-Pacific strategy, and US-India relations. Previously, he taught at Claremont McKenna College, and was a visiting professor at Stanford University.

During his hearing, he stated: “The United States’ relationships with the countries of South and Central Asia hold great promise. With effective policy, they can flourish and enable us to achieve Secretary Rubio’s goal of making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

He emphasized shared US-India interests, including ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific not dominated by China, expanding bilateral trade, fostering technology sharing, and securing energy access. He also highlighted the strategic importance of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Bhutan for regional stability, noting Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ critical locations along major trade routes and Bangladesh’s economic significance. “If confirmed, I will advocate for enhanced US cooperation with these nations to bolster security, counterbalance China’s influence, and expand trade,” he said.

In a striking statement at last week’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a more confrontational stance toward Beijing, unsettling many Asian capitals. “As our allies share the burden, we can increase our focus on the Indo-Pacific: our priority theater,” he declared, stressing that America’s security and prosperity are intertwined with those of its allies. “We share your vision of peace and stability, of prosperity and security, and we are here to stay,” he added.

Since the new administration took office, there have been no high-level US visits to Nepal. While some senior officials have traveled to Kathmandu, these trips were kept low-key. However, military collaboration between the Nepali Army and the US Army continues on a regular basis.

Meanwhile,  Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered US embassies around the world on Tuesday to move ahead with a directive to fire all remaining staffers with the US Agency for International Development. He said the State Department will take over USAID’s foreign assistance programs by Monday, according to the AP news agency. 

The termination of all remaining USAID staffers abroad is one of the last steps in the destruction of the US aid agency and the firing of its more than 10,000 staffers and contractors by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, according to AP.  They had made USAID one of their first targets for elimination.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and 91 others in connection with the Patanjali land scandal. The move has ignited a debate over whether the CIAA has the constitutional authority to investigate cabinet decisions, with legal experts and political analysts sharply divided.

Nepal’s party, the CPN (Unified Socialist), along with several opposition groups, has denounced the case as politically motivated. Many suspect that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli may have influenced CIAA Chief Prem Kumar Rai to target Nepal, one of Oli’s most vocal critics, under the pretense of a corruption probe. The rift between the two leaders has been widening since the party’s split in 2021

Public reaction has been swift and skeptical. From social media to teashop gossip, many see this as an attempt to weaken the Unified Socialist and lure away its lawmakers. If successful, such a maneuver could boost the CPN-UML’s numbers in the House of Representatives, potentially pushing the Nepali Congress into second place.

But the greater concern is the deepening erosion of public trust in state institutions.  This growing distrust poses a more serious threat to Nepal’s democratic order than the revival of monarchist sentiment.

Like many state institutions, the CIAA is losing legitimacy due to a flawed appointment process, selective investigations, and a deferential attitude toward the political elite—all of which compromise its constitutional autonomy. At the heart of the problem lies the method of appointing the CIAA’s leadership.

Chiefs and commissioners are often chosen based on political allegiance or their willingness to offer bribes for the position. Such practices fatally compromise the agency’s independence.

As a result, the CIAA is frequently accused of targeting “small fish” while ignoring large-scale corruption involving high-profile figures. Its track record in major cases is dismal, with many prosecutions falling apart due to poorly prepared charges at the Special Court.

Had the CIAA built a reputation for fair and rigorous investigations, the current case against Nepal might not have provoked such intense skepticism.

This isn’t just about one institution. Across the board, Nepal’s key democratic institutions are rapidly losing public confidence. The recent delay in appointing the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank is a case in point, which was marked by indecision and political bargaining at the highest level.

Meanwhile, the judiciary’s credibility continues to decline. One controversial verdict after another has led many to question the impartiality of the courts. Just two weeks ago, the Janakpur high court acquitted former Nepali Congress lawmaker Mohammad Aftab Alam in connection with the 2008 Rautahat blast and subsequent killing of those injured. 

Despite strong testimony from legal experts, witnesses, and journalists implicating Alam, the court found him not guilty. Such rulings fuel public despair and reinforce the perception that justice in Nepal is hostage to politics and impunity. 

The executive branch fares no better. Public trust in the government is at an all-time low, driven by repeated accusations of corruption, opacity, and indifference to citizens’ concerns. One glaring example is the unwillingness of the Prime Minister and ministers to disclose their property details more than a year after the current NC–UML coalition took power.

If Nepal’s political parties are serious about defending the current system against royalist and other anti-democratic forces, they must begin by restoring faith in public institutions. That starts with overhauling the deeply flawed appointment process. Too often, constitutional bodies are staffed not by competent, independent professionals but by political loyalists and former bureaucrats with party affiliations.

These appointees remain beholden to the leaders who installed them, rendering institutions ineffective and subservient. Far from being autonomous, many constitutional bodies now operate as extensions of the executive. The judiciary is no exception.

Over the past two decades, political interference in the justice system has become so normalized that ordinary citizens can identify the political leanings of Supreme Court justices based on their past affiliations. This perceived bias has severely undermined the legitimacy of court rulings.

Both the judiciary and legislature operate in the shadow of partisan influence. Other institutions, including the Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and various regulatory agencies, are also viewed as corrupt and politicized

Because political parties remain at the center of power, the impetus for reform must come from them. Yet history shows a troubling pattern: when prominent political figures are implicated in corruption, their parties work to weaken or discredit oversight bodies. This has been the case since the early 1990s, when the CPN-UML resisted unfavorable court rulings, followed by the Nepali Congress in the 2000s.

After 2006, the Maoists and Madhes-based parties attacked the credibility of state institutions, and now, newer parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party publicly challenge investigations and court decisions. This persistent trend has done lasting damage to the credibility of Nepal’s democratic institutions.

Political parties often proclaim their commitment to democracy, but that commitment must be judged by actions—not words. True dedication to democratic values requires strengthening institutional integrity, not undermining it for short-term political gain. On this front, Nepal’s political leadership has repeatedly failed.

Public faith in the current political class is near collapse. To address this deepening crisis, Nepal urgently needs principled, accountable leadership at all levels—federal, provincial, and local. These leaders must ensure that public institutions function independently, deliver on their mandates, and operate without political interference.

Today, state institutions are widely seen as corrupt, politicized, inefficient, and disconnected from the public. If political parties genuinely wish to safeguard the political system, they must embrace a long-term, systemic reform agenda rooted in the spirit of the 2015 Constitution.

Although the Constitution enshrines the separation of powers, genuine institutional reform has yet to follow. Nepal does not need a constitutional amendment, but it does need a comprehensive review aimed at strengthening the architecture of democracy. Only then can the country’s political system hope to survive and thrive.

With dwindling public support and growing divisions within the movement, the pro-monarchy protests appear to have weakened for now. On May 29, a royalist faction led by Panchayat-era veteran Navaraj Subedi announced an indefinite strike, but it failed to sustain even a week.

While the first day saw a sizable turnout, participation gradually declined, forcing the Subedi-led group to shift tactics—moving protests from Kathmandu to municipalities. From the outset, royalist forces projected unity, but internal rifts have now surfaced. Tensions escalated between the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a key royalist faction with 14 parliamentary seats, and Subedi’s panel after the latter unilaterally called for a banda (nationwide strike) without consulting the RPP. The strike was later withdrawn, but the RPP faced criticism for resorting to a tactic most political parties have abandoned.

Since the movement began in March, many RPP leaders were displeased when former King Gyanendra Shah secretly formed the Subedi-led panel to push for his reinstatement. Initially, RPP Chairperson Rajendra Lingden and RPP-Nepal Chairperson Kamal Thapa refused to join, but after pressure from royalist factions, they reluctantly participated and even directed party cadres to support the protests. Many RPP leaders saw this as an attempt to undermine their party’s leadership, further deepening internal divisions.

The first major protest this year took place on March 28 in Kathmandu, preceded by a crowd of around 10,000 welcoming Gyanendra at the airport upon his return from Pokhara. The March 28 rally, led by controversial businessman Durga Prasai, exposed further cracks in the RPP. Senior leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana defied the party’s official stance and joined the protest, and now they face legal cases for allegedly inciting violence.

Gyanendra later managed to bring Lingden, Thapa and 45 smaller Hindu nationalist groups under Subedi’s committee. Over the past months, he met numerous pro-monarchy figures to rally support but resisted building the movement under the RPP’s leadership—despite its parliamentary presence. On May 27, two days before the strike, Gyanendra hosted a meeting with RPP leaders, yet his approach reportedly alienated many. Sources say he dismissed the RPP’s influence, claiming people rallied for him, not the party. His unrealistic optimism about reclaiming the throne and his dismissive attitude toward political leaders further strained relations.

The ruling CPN-UML and Maoist Center have countered the royalist movement through rhetoric and occasional force, while the Nepali Congress (NC) initially dismissed it. However, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba recently acknowledged the need to take the royalists seriously as they adopt a more systematic approach.

Meanwhile, unrelated protests erupted this week as transport syndicates struck against Gandaki Province’s proposed ride-sharing laws—a sign of the government’s inability to reform Nepal’s dysfunctional public transport sector, long plagued by political patronage.

Two dozen civil society organizations have warned that Nepal’s transitional justice process faces a legitimacy crisis due to inadequate consultations. Recent appointments to key commissions have drawn skepticism, with critics and the international community questioning their credibility.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari returned from a 10-day China visit, where she met senior Communist Party officials. Her trip followed increased political activity, including provincial tours and overt ambitions to lead the CPN-UML—ignoring criticism that ex-presidents should avoid partisan politics. Her delegation included UML figures distancing themselves from Prime Minister KP Oli, signaling internal rifts.

Opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, once vocal about toppling the government, has turned focus to party-building—though his aides still engage with NC leaders on potential government changes. Meanwhile, NC leaders Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa, both vying for the party presidency, privately agree on preventing Deuba from returning as PM and holding timely conventions—yet lack the numbers to challenge him.

As monsoon arrives 10 days early, fears of floods and landslides loom. Last year’s poor disaster response eroded public trust, and with damaged highways still unrepaired, concerns persist. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak claims preparedness, but given the state’s limited capacity, skepticism remains. Another weak response could further undermine government legitimacy.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari returned home on Monday after completing a 10-day China visit, during which she held talks with senior leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and government officials.

Her visit came amid her recent, unannounced but increasingly active involvement in party politics, drawing significant attention from both political and strategic circles. In the weeks leading up to the trip, Bhandari toured various provinces, engaging with local leaders and cadres, and has become more vocal about her ambition to lead the CPN-UML. She has ignored public concerns that former heads of state should stay away from active politics to preserve the dignity of the presidency. Bhandari was accompanied by Raghubir Mahaseth, head of the UML’s international department, Minister Damodar Bhandari and other senior leaders, who have distanced themselves from Prime Minister and party chairperson KP Sharma Oli. In Beijing, she was accorded a moderate level of respect.

Although Chinese President Xi Jinping did not meet her, Bhandari held talks with Chinese Vice-President Ji Bingxuan and Liu Jianchao, Minister of the CPC’s International Department and a prominent Chinese leader known for his close engagement with Nepali political figures.

Bhandari’s main event in Beijing was her participation in a conference of political parties from China’s neighboring countries, themed “Building a Community with a Shared Future with Neighboring Countries: Political Parties in Action,” held on May 25–26.

The reception Bhandari received as a senior UML figure must be viewed in the light of her past role and potential political future. As President from 2015 to 2022, she played a crucial part in enhancing Nepal’s engagement with China. She frequently encouraged successive governments to advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). During her tenure, she attended the second BRI summit in 2019 and helped finalize the protocol on the Transit and Transport Agreement signed in 2016.

In 2017, Bhandari launched Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book, “The Governance of China,” at a special ceremony held in Shital Niwas. She also endorsed China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) by attending a high-level video conference, despite opposition from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The year 2019 saw Xi’s historic visit to Nepal, during which several strategic agreements were signed, significantly deepening bilateral cooperation. These developments have shaped the Chinese perception of Bhandari as a dependable figure in Nepal's political landscape.

For Beijing, the return of a China-friendly leader like Bhandari to active politics could be welcome news. Members of her delegation have publicly claimed that China encouraged her to initiate efforts to unify Nepal’s communist parties—a long-held preference of the Chinese leadership. However, such claims should be taken with caution, as Chinese officials rarely make such direct statements.

Within the UML, some leaders believe that if Bhandari becomes party chair, the long-elusive unification with the CPN (Maoist Centre) could be revived—something hindered by personal rivalries between Oli and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. While Bhandari is certain to return to UML politics, it remains unclear whether she will take a confrontational path against Oli or whether Oli will voluntarily step aside. Oli has recently stated that his health permits him to remain politically active for the next 15–20 years, suggesting he is unlikely to support a unification narrative that credits Bhandari over himself.

Bhandari’s visit is unlikely to have any immediate or direct impact on UML’s internal dynamics, despite some sidelined party leaders hoping it will accelerate her rise to the helm. Her supporters are trying to portray the visit as an indication that China backs her leadership, suggesting she is capable of uniting Nepal’s fragmented communist forces. However, there are ample reasons to remain cautious. Open Chinese support for Bhandari could antagonize both Oli and the Nepali Congress (NC). A senior UML leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that China prioritizes political stability in Nepal and may support left unity only if it contributes to that goal—but without backing one leader at the expense of alienating others.

Nevertheless, the perception of Bhandari’s close ties with Beijing may cause ripples within the UML. Ironically, this perception could even bring Oli and New Delhi closer. China, meanwhile, appears to have realized that its earlier emphasis on communist unification risked alienating other key actors in Nepal, including the NC. Given the current state of relations, observers say China is unlikely to openly push for left unity at the cost of broader political balance.

In Beijing, Liu Jianchao met Bhandari and, according to the Chinese readout, acknowledged her longstanding contributions to China-Nepal relations. “Inter-party exchanges play an important role in China–Nepal relations,” the readout stated. The CPC expressed its willingness to strengthen engagement with all Nepali political parties and deepen exchanges in governance and administration through the “political party +” channel. Bhandari, for her part, emphasized Nepal’s commitment to finding a development path suited to its own conditions and expressed interest in learning from China’s experience in party-building and governance. 

During her address at the CPC dialogue, Bhandari praised the CPC’s governance model, stating: “The historical experience and contemporary practice of the CPC are of great reference to Nepal’s economic and social transformation and also provide important reference for developing countries around the world to explore the path of modernization.” She further stated that China’s vision of building a “community with a shared future” offers a powerful example for regional cooperation and solidarity. By amplifying China’s development model in her speeches, Bhandari is aligning herself closely with Beijing’s strategic messaging.

The US, under the Donald Trump administration, is steadily adopting a more aggressive stance toward China—an approach that is likely to reshape the foreign policy landscape for small South Asian countries like Nepal. Washington’s hardening posture is evident across multiple fronts: trade, technology, education and military strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

A major flashpoint has been trade. The Trump administration imposed a steep 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods—though currently paused—with expectations that the tariff war will escalate further. Simultaneously, the US State Department announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying sensitive technologies, drawing sharp condemnation from Beijing.

The technological rivalry is already underway, but the conflict appears to be broadening. In a striking statement this week at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is prepared to take a confrontational approach toward Beijing, a move that has unsettled many Asian capitals.

“As our allies share the burden, we can increase our focus on the Indo-Pacific: our priority theater,” Hegseth said. Emphasizing that the futures of the US and its Indo-Pacific allies are “bound together,” he noted that America's own security and prosperity are linked to those of its allies. “We share your vision of peace and stability, of prosperity and security, and we are here to stay,” he added.

Hegseth outlined a vision for the Indo-Pacific based on mutual interests, sovereignty and commerce—not conflict. “On this sure foundation of mutual interests and common sense, we will build and strengthen our defense partnerships to preserve peace and increase prosperity,” he stated.

Yet, he made it clear that the US will resist any attempt by China to assert dominance. “We do not seek conflict with Communist China, but we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated or intimidated.” These remarks come at a time when US allies in South Asia are already facing economic strain due to the US-led trade war. The pressure is particularly acute for countries like Nepal, which have a limited maneuvering room in great-power rivalries.

Hegseth also raised alarm over China’s preparations to use force for the “unification” of Taiwan—a move he warned could trigger a global crisis. “There’s no reason to sugarcoat it: the threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” he said, stressing that while China’s exact intentions remain uncertain, the US and its allies must prepare with “urgency and vigilance.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry (FM) stated on Sunday that Hegseth ignored the calls of regional countries for peace and development, promoted a Cold War mentality of bloc confrontation, smeared and attacked China, and exaggerated the "China threat theory"—remarks that were full of provocation. In fact, the US is the world's true hegemonic power and the biggest factor undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, China said.  In order to maintain its hegemony and advance the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy," the US has deployed offensive weapons in the South China Sea, stoked tensions, and created instability—turning the region into a "powder keg" and arousing deep concern among regional countries, said China’s FM. 

A military conflict over Taiwan would place enormous pressure on countries like Nepal to take sides—much like the diplomatic tightrope it walked during the Russia-Ukraine war. While Nepal officially supports the one-China policy, joint statements in recent years have gone further, explicitly stating that “Nepal opposes Taiwan independence.”

Foreign policy experts warn that such language could box Nepal into supporting a future Chinese military action, compromising its neutrality. Further reinforcing this strategic posture, US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told graduating cadets this week that the Indo-Pacific will define the military challenges of their generation. “The Indo-Pacific will be your generation’s fight, and you will deliver the most lethal force this nation has ever seen—or we will not succeed,” Meink said. He warned that the strategic competition with China is wide-ranging and unpredictable, adding, “There will be no sanctuaries.”

While the Trump administration has significantly cut development aid to countries like Nepal, it has signaled an intention to deepen defense cooperation in the region. Given Nepal’s strategic location between China and India, observers believe the US is likely to step up military engagement with Kathmandu in the coming years, further complicating Nepal’s delicate geopolitical balancing act.