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Speaker Devraj Ghimire has pointed out the need to further strengthen our cooperation with India for Nepal's sustainable development with a focus on an investment increase for promotion of mutual interests. 

In his address to the Kasthamandap Dialogue organised by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism, here today, the Speaker stressed this. 

In the Dialogue centered on Belt and Road Initiate (BRI) and Nepal-China cooperation, the Speaker called for identifying new potential areas for Nepal-China cooperation and include them as projects under the BRI. 

As a close neighbor and good friend of China, Nepal takes pride in China's remarkable progress and aims to benefit from its extraordinary development through a broader economic partnership, Ghimire remarked. "We highly appreciate China's support and cooperation in Nepal's developmental endeavors," he added, expressing hope for significant assistance from the northern neighbor as Nepal moves towards graduating from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income country by 2026 and also for the sustainability of this status.

Ghimire further highlighted that Nepal's historic relationship with China, based on mutual trust, understanding, and friendship, has been strengthened through the BRI. "This initiative is not just about infrastructure for Nepal; it should be viewed as an opportunity for Nepal to explore new avenues for economic growth," he said.

He also suggested that Nepal, leveraging its geographical position, has the potential to be developed into a 'transit hub.' To realize this, Ghimire stressed the need for enhancing bilateral collaboration on physical infrastructure, including roadways, railways, information technology, and trade relations.

Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, which have flourished over the past seven decades, Ghimire affirmed that Nepal’s policies are guided by the five principles (Panchasheel) of peaceful coexistence. "We are always ready to take steps to deepen the cordial relations between our two nations," he added. He also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the 'One China Policy' and described China as a reliable and significant development partner for Nepal.

Former Prime Minister and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the BRI as a global development project that offers abundant opportunities for infrastructure development and expanding connectivity. "It is a boon for many countries around the world," he said, urging Nepal to ensure it capitalizes on the potential benefits.

China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, shared about China's achievements in infrastructure development, information technology, industrialization, innovation, and research. He reiterated China’s strong support for Nepal’s developmental goals.

During the Dialogue, business communities and academics from Nepal and China are scheduled to exchange views on the implementation of the BRI in Nepal, its opportunities, and challenges.

Recent reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China have triggered global concerns, with echoes of the early Covid-19 pandemic raising speculation about a potential health emergency. However, HMPV is not a new or mysterious virus. It has been well-documented for decades as a significant cause of respiratory illness in children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Identified in 2001 at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, HMPV was initially isolated from children with respiratory illnesses. Published in Nature Medicine, this study indicated all Dutch children were exposed to HMPV by the age of five. Retrospective analyses, however, suggest HMPV has been circulating in humans for 50 years.

HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the Metapneumovirus genus. This enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus has two genetic lineages, A and B, further divided into six sublineages: A1, A2.1, A2.2.1, A2.2.2, B1 and B2. Emerging sublineages A2.2.1 and A2.2.2, were recently identified in pediatric respiratory infections in South India, as reported by the International Society of Infectious Diseases in 2025.

A Virology Journal 2009 genetic study by Vanderbilt University suggests HMPV diverged from Avian Metapneumovirus 200–400 years ago via zoonotic spillover from an avian reservoir, with phylogenetic evidence indicating a spillover event around 200 years ago, emphasizing HMPV’s long-standing presence in human populations.

Symptoms, risk groups and treatment

HMPV is a common etiological agent of respiratory tract infections, affecting infants, children under 15, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Nearly all children are exposed by age five, with reinfections occurring throughout life. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it spreads via respiratory droplets, close contact, or contaminated surfaces, similar to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with an incubation period of 3–6 days. Symptoms vary from mild cough, nasal congestion, fever, and breath shortness to severe pneumonia, bronchiolitis, asthma exacerbations, especially in high-risk groups.

Infants and young children are prone to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The elderly, often with comorbidities like asthma, may experience complications. Immunocompromised individuals face prolonged or severe illness, and pregnant women are at risk of respiratory complications that could affect both maternal and fetal health.

No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists for HMPV. Management relies on supportive care, supplemental oxygen, antipyretics and intravenous hydration when needed.

Seasonal outbreaks

HMPV is a seasonal respiratory virus, primarily circulating during late winter and early spring in temperate regions, similar to influenza and RSV. Recent reports of increased cases in China and parts of Asia align with this seasonal pattern. US CDC data also highlight annual outbreaks during these months, influenced by climatic conditions.

Despite comparisons to the Covid-19 pandemic, HMPV is not a novel virus. Identified over two decades back, it has been extensively studied, with over 300 PubMed scientific articles available. While it causes localized outbreaks, its transmission dynamics and clinical severity do not indicate pandemic potential. For instance, HMPV was the predominant virus during the 2002–2003 winter in Norwegian children hospitalized for respiratory infections, as reported in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Severe pneumonia occurred in some cases, but widespread outbreaks have remained limited to specific populations.

HMPV outbreaks have been documented globally, including Israel (2003), Japan (2003–2004), South Africa (2009-2013), Nicaragua (2011-2016), Western Sydney (2018), South Korea (2022), India (2022), China (2017-2023) and various regions. In Pakistan, HMPV accounted for 5–7 percent of pneumonia admissions in children at Aga Khan University Hospital (2009–2012). HMPV causes 5–10 percent of pediatric acute respiratory infections (ARIs) hospitalizations and is the second most common viral pathogen in certain settings. ARIs are a major global public health problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in children.

A 2019 study at Nepal’s Kanti Children’s Hospital revealed a prevalence of 13 percent among children with ARIs, with infections more frequent in those under three years old (22 percent). Symptoms like cough and fever were universally observed.

Besides, data from Nepal’s Sarlahi district (2011–2014) detected HMPV in five percent of infants, identifying three genotypes (A2, B1, B2). A recent Chinese CDC analysis ranked HMPV second among 11 respiratory viruses affecting children under 15 years, with a positivity rate of 6.2 percent in influenza-like illness.

These findings reflect a seasonal uptick, not an unprecedented surge. Factors like colder weather and increased indoor crowding contribute to HMPV’s seasonal prevalence.

Covid-19 lessons

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of preparedness, evidence-based communication and robust public health strategies in managing infectious disease outbreaks. While HMPV does not pose the same threat as Covid-19, its current attention emphasizes the need to apply these lessons. Strengthened surveillance systems are essential for early detection, while public education can counter misinformation, reduce anxiety and encourage preventive behaviors. Investment in research on HMPV’s pathogenesis, treatments and vaccine development is key to mitigating its long-term impacts and bolstering public health resilience.

Precautions

The rise in HMPV cases in China and India warrants vigilance but not alarm. Vulnerable populations—infants, rural children, immunocompromised individuals—are particularly at risk, in regions with limited healthcare resources like Nepal. Preventive measures, supportive care and community-driven initiatives are critical to minimizing HMPV’s burden.

Between 2011 and 2014, HMPV infections in rural southern Nepal were associated with adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age births in pregnant women. Interventions targeting febrile respiratory illness in pregnancy could improve maternal and neonatal health in resource-limited settings.

Hygiene practices, regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette, alongside isolation during illness, can reduce HMPV transmission. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities and heightened awareness will support disease management and safeguard at-risk groups.

Policymakers, healthcare providers and community leaders must collaborate to strengthen surveillance systems, improve diagnostics and develop effective preventive strategies. Public health messaging should prioritize education and reassurance, focusing on practical actions to protect vulnerable populations. By taking informed and measured steps, HMPV’s impact can be effectively mitigated, fostering resilience against future viral outbreaks.

The author is a researcher with a PhD degree at Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation

The Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML seem to have agreed on a common position on how to approach China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the initiative has garnered support domestically, it remains uncertain whether China will accept Nepal's proposed terms, according to multiple sources.

A task force from the two parties has revised the draft of the BRI implementation plan initially proposed by the Chinese side in 2020. The document, now titled Framework for Cooperation instead of BRI Implementation Plan, has been sent to the Chinese side for initial negotiations, though it is yet to be finalized. The NC and UML are of the view that projects under the BRI should be funded through grants rather than loans. This condition may come up in high-level discussions, as BRI traditionally does not include provisions for grants.

During a meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba reiterated this same position agreed by the two coalition parties. However, Beijing has yet to formally respond. A senior Nepali official remarked, “The document prepared by the Nepali side is vague, but it is progress. It signals that Nepal is moving forward with the  BRI, which might encourage the Chinese side to sign the document.” According to the official, the Chinese side is desperate to change the narrative that since the signing of the BRI framework in 2017, not a single project has been executed in Nepal.

A UML leader privy to the development said: “The document does not mention about the investment modality which will be settled during the project implementation phase.”

Given the great power rivalry which has also affected the BRI project, the Chinese officials may accept the document. China is reportedly eager to alter the perception of inaction regarding the BRI in Nepal. Beijing has highlighted the Pokhara International Airport as a BRI project, despite its unclear status within the initiative. During a recent meeting in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the progress in the joint construction of the BRI, including the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which he claimed benefits the Nepali people.

Under the BRI framework, Nepal and China will discuss areas such as connectivity, investment, trade, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development. If China agrees to Nepal’s proposed document, specific projects may be announced during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel suggested that the new agreement could pave the way for mobilizing Chinese resources for Nepal's development.

According to officials, Chinese officials have also emphasized implementing agreements reached over the past decade, including those signed during President Xi Jinping’s 2019 visit to Nepal, rather than pursuing entirely new ones. The two countries are also discussing potential cooperation in the energy sector, including the construction of  cross-border transmission lines, a likely agenda item during Oli’s visit.

Additionally, Beijing is expected to seek renewed commitments from Nepal on the One-China policy. During her meeting with Wang, Foreign Minister Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s adherence to the policy, asserting that Tibet (Xizang) and Taiwan are integral parts of China. She also assured that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used for activities harming China’s interests, nor support foreign interference in China’s internal affairs.

Raunab Singh Khatri, co-founder of the Aranika Project, a research firm that studies Nepal-China relations, recently published an article commenting on the evolving nature of the BRI. He noted: “The area of China’s international engagement has diversified; from hard infrastructure under the BRI, the trend slowly and gradually shifted toward digital and health connectivity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Will the BRI projects even take off in Nepal? The consensus among Nepali politicians is that Nepal can only accept grants and not loans—but the dilemma is that BRI is, by and large, a commercial project that is backed by “The Big Four” Chinese policy banks, Silk Road Fund, EXIM Bank, CDB, etc.”

A one-day photo exhibition entitled “Exploring Economic Opportunities: Nepal’s Development in the Context of China’s Economy” was successfully held in Nepal on Sunday.

The event organized by Friends of Silk Road Club – Nepal showcased major highlights of China’s Annual Sessions National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference 2024.

This year's Two Sessions had a particular significance as 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Inaugurating the event, former Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-ML General Secratary CP Mainali stressed on the importance of the Two Sessions, and how China’s rise poses opportunity for Nepal, especially for economic development and prosperity.

Recalling the Chinese Communist Party’s history and revolution and how generations of visionary Chinese leaders have led their people to create unprecedented development miracles, Mainali mentioned that China’s rise could be inspirational for other countries including Nepal. He also praised China’s continuous commitment to promote common development of all nations.

He also took the occasion to suggest the Nepali parties and leaders to practice multi-party cooperation rather than multi-party competition.

On the occasion, Leela Mani Paudyal, former Nepali Ambassador to China, explained about major accomplishments of China's top legislature and top political advisory body. Stressing on how the northern neighbor has been promoting high-quality development, Paudyal suggested that Nepal can take benefits in multiple areas.

Sharing his experiences of witnessing the mega Two Sessions up close in the past, the former ambassador pointed out that there are immense possibilities for Nepal in the fields like renewable energy, science and technology, agriculture and tourism, among others.

He further expressed confidence that the Belt and Road Initiative will be instrumental in promoting Nepal’s economic progress.

Over 30 photos were displayed in one-day photo exhibition, held inside the Patan Durbar Square, and witnessed by people from different walks of life and general public.

As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council and the Presidents of China and the US meet in San Francisco on the sidelines of APEC summit this month, the two superpowers are expected to take serious steps to bring the conflicting parties— Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine— into negotiating table for tangible outcomes.

As compliant partners and rational competitors, the two giants should work for the greater good of society, humankind and the universe, keeping in mind that they will be able to retain their prime positions only through decent leadership, equable and nimble rationality, amity and cooperation. 

Globalization and a corresponding drive toward neoliberalism had a role in shaping the global political order in the past. At present, the intricacy of ‘techno-geopolitics’ and ‘techno-nationalism’ is making a sway in digital, economic, social and democratic order thereby impelling a new global order.

‘Democracy’ is said to be in decline in many parts of the world, while its global state is ‘complex’, ‘fluid’ and ‘unequal’ in 2023 (Global State of Democracy Initiative). Considered to be a process rather than a “system” or any form of institution, democracy can come to a halt when it encounters critical threats from any actor— be it human or machine.

 “The human being ranks higher than machines and technology”, reads Article 12, Section 1 of the 1947 Constitution of Bremen, an entity of the German federal state, perhaps foreseeing the prospective supremacy of machines (AI) over humans. 

An Open Letter titled “Pause Giant AI Experiments” originally signed by a 1000-plus tech, social and AI leaders around the world on March 22, 2023 has garnered more than 33700 signatures, including that of this author. 

It reads, “Contemporary AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks, and we must ask ourselves: Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth? Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones? Should we develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us? Should we risk the loss of control over our civilization? Such decisions must not be delegated to unelected tech leaders. Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks manageable…” 

Unlawful development and deployment of generative AI has heightened risks of weaponization of AI technology to the detriment of humanity and human civilizations. The extensive misuse of AI has been posing a serious threat to democracy and humanity through ‘deep-fakes’ or ‘scams’.

After a Covid-19 pandemic that continues to haunt humanity, the world is witnessing two major threats—the “tech threat” that is challenging the sovereignty of nations, posing crucial threats to democracy and impinging on personal sovereign dignity of individuals; and the “religious radicalism” that could foment civilizational clashes and lead to disastrous consequences like ethnic cleansing. These two threats can sweep human civilization by wreaking havoc around the world.

Civilization clashes—be it Hindu-Muslim conflicts or the Manipur violence in India, Islam-Christian tensions around the world after 9/11, Black-White racial clashes in the US, the Rohingya sweeping in Myanmar, ethnic conflicts in Africa or Middle-East or ethnic clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh, the  diplomatic fiasco between India and Canada that is deep-rooted to religious radicalism or the recent Hamas attack in Israel and the Israeli counter-attack that are fuelling Muslim-Jews clashes—all reflect domination of religion over religion, culture over culture, human over human, nation over nation, and civilization over civilization. These developments could permeate beyond national boundaries and end up challenging the existing global social, civilizational or democratic order. 

Transnational issues such as terrorism, war, crimes, financial issues, climate change, economic stability, energy and food security, intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, nuclear and AI threats, maritime security, poverty and pandemics are also causing chaos worldwide.  

The author is a geopolitical analyst. This article is part 2 of a three-part series

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is currently on a China visit, suffered a heart attack on Wednesday.

A CPN (Maoist Center) leader said that he has been admitted to a Beijing-based hospital after experiencing heart-related complications.

“He suffered a sudden heart attack on Wednesday. He was rushed to a hospital. Now his condition is normal,” the leader said.

According to a source, Minister Shrestha suffered a mild heart attack.

He reached Beijing on Monday evening to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment, Wang Xiaohong.

China had organized the Belt and Road Forum for the first time in 2017 and second time in 2019.

Nepal and China have signed a 12-point agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is on a week-long official visit to China, and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

According to the Secretariat, Nepali and Chinese officials signed the agreements on human resources, Hilasa Simikot road, road infrastructure with China, support for improving digital economy, agriculture, livestock and herbal medicines among other issues.

An agreement has also been reached to form a joint technical working group to study trade and payments between Nepal and China.

The Centre for Social Inclusion & Federalism (CESIF) held a seminar on ‘The Evolving Nepal-China Relationship: Navigating Challenges & Seizing Opportunities,’ at Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The seminar was divided into three panels: ' Nepal-China Relations: Current Status,’ ‘Looking to the Future: Chinese Initiatives, BRI, GSI & National Security,’ and ‘Politics of Bilateral Relations.’

The seminar was timed to coincide with the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Beijing this month.

Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chair at CESIF, began the discussion program with a welcome remark. He pondered the Prime Minister's impending visit and the weight it carries for Nepal-China diplomatic relations.

“The Prime Minister’s visit is seen as an important occasion to resolve the existing issues and strengthen the bilateral ties. It is expected that PM Dahal will hold a discussion on the various avenues of bilateral relationships, including the long-stalled BRI projects and other issues of economic and bilateral cooperation,” he said, reads a statement issued by Centre for Social Inclusion & Federalism.

“While PM Dahal will have a hard time managing the diversified priorities of the parties in the ruling coalition back home while dealing with China, PM Dahal’s visit is expected to bring forth some tangible benefits to strengthen the bilateral relationship and resolve existing differences.”

The first session on ‘Nepal-China Relations: Current Status,’ brought together Ambassador Madhu Raman Acharya, former ambassador of Nepal, Purushottam Ojha, former secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Avasna Pandey, Lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Tribhuvan University.

The session was moderated by author and researcher Amish Mulmi.

The session brought to the limelight Nepal’s need to focus on trans-border connectivity for improved cross-border trade, improved B2B movement, and better negotiations through varied forums. "China has been shifting its goalposts regarding its engagement in Nepal.

Earlier China’s engagement was confined largely within arenas of security and trade but now China wants Nepal to be a part of its diverse initiatives – this is directed at realizing its larger geopolitical aims and ambitions," Ambassador Madhu Raman Acharya said.

The second session on ‘Looking to the Future: Chinese Initiatives, BRI, GSI & National Security’ brought together General Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana (Retd.), former Chief of Army Staff at Nepal Army, Ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai, former ambassador of Nepal, Chandra Dev Bhatta, Political Scientist and Public Intellectual and Anil Giri, senior journalist at The Kathmandu Post.

The session was moderated by Ambassador Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chair at CESIF.

The session brought to attention China’s new global initiatives and their implications for Nepal.

“In the current geopolitical context, Nepal would be wise to stick to its Constitution's principles of Panchasheel and non-alignment. We must be cautious but also flexible in our foreign policy; flexible being the keyword.” Gen. Gaurav Shamsher JB Rana (Retd.) expressed.

The final session on the ‘Politics of Bilateral Relations,’ brought together Shisir Khanal, Member of Parliament, representing Rastriya Swatantra Party, Dr Minendra Rijal, former Defense Minister of Nepal and Nepali Congress leader, Dr Lila Nyaichyai, Professor at the Tribhuvan University and the former member of the Constituent Assembly and Hari Sharma, Executive Director at Purak Asia and a Public Intellectual.

The session was moderated by Dr Govinda Raj Pokharel, former Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission and the Central Committee member of the Nepali Congress.

The panelists discussed the necessity to capitalize upon the Nepal-China relations whilst understanding China’s regional and global position.

“There has been a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape when compared to that of the 1950s, 60s – so, drawing parallels between these different contexts to analyze the contemporary geopolitical situation wouldn’t be so apt- and it doesn’t help in our diplomatic endeavors either.” Khanal shared.

The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Beijing was agreed by all to be a good opportunity to improve bilateral ties.

Panelists also shared a few priorities for the visit, including the implementation of previous agreements, negotiation for trade facilitation, upliftment of unilateral border control of different border points, and FDI traction.

The seminar event brought together noted intellectuals, academicians, politicians, bureaucrats, and journalists.

Centre for Social Inclusion & Federalism (CESIF) is a not-for-profit, autonomous, and independent private research institution serving the public interest, with significant independence from any interest group. Our mission is to help the government create a democratic, secure, and just society by making informed and transparent decisions about policies and practices.

While conducting foreign policy, we should seek to strike a balance between our two neighbors—India and China. We can change friends but not neighbors. The onus is also on us to maintain a cordial and balanced relationship with both of our neighbors. We have to be able to convince the two neighbors about our concerns and hear out their core concerns as well.  Keeping a balanced relationship with two of our neighbors is the only way to move forward.

As for electricity trade, India is the only market for our electricity, so we have to be flexible while negotiating with India on this issue. 

As India is the only buyer of our electricity, we have to heed its concerns too. Because of this constraint, we have some difficulties and compulsions when it comes to selling electricity. 

We have to keep our national interests at the center while conducting foreign policy. 

The author is a former PM and president of the Nepali Congress 

Once again, the map controversy has surfaced but this time around it’s not between Nepal and India but between China and Nepal. The fresh controversy followed as China issued what it calls its ‘standard map’, which does not include Nepal’s new official map. 

China’s new map has created uproar not only in its neighborhood but much beyond, with the list of countries objecting to the map increasing by the day. In the case of Nepal, the latest map controversy seems to have emerged partly from the way governments dealt with this sensitive issue in the past. 

The recent statement from Nepal’s Foreign Minister indicates that the new map was not officially submitted or communicated to countries including China. If that is the case, it shows double standards on the part of Nepali politicians, who have the habit of doing politics even on serious issues like foreign policy and national security.

The author is a geopolitical analyst 

The post-Cold War unipolar world has been shaken badly by the 9/11 attacks and the war on terrorism that followed achieved partial success leading to the compulsive pullout of the US forces from Afghanistan. The relationship between the US and China remained strained due to the trade war and the conflicting interests over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war does not see any prospects of settlement soon, thus Ukraine is bound to suffer and face more destruction. Strategic mistakes were made by both Russia and Ukraine, but NATO gained valuable intelligence about the Russian war capability. African countries have been facing civil wars leading to major humanitarian crises and military coups in some of these countries signal no good days on the horizon. The ever-changing geo-political dynamics of this century are thus becoming more challenging.

Asia seems relatively quiet and peaceful because many of the volatile areas and issues have been back burnered. In spite of several border skirmishes, India-China trade continues to boom. The cross-border terrorist activities in Kashmir and the long outstanding border issues of India with both China and Pakistan have led to a strained relationship between them. The existing deadlock is not likely to be resolved soon, thus making the Himalayan region a flashpoint for potential conflicts which may even push the three nuclear nations to a war.

Now, is there any possibility to avoid or at least mitigate such a scenario? The answer would be both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. China has an all-weather good relationship with Pakistan whereas it remains only fair weather with India; and looking back to their historical enmity and existing animosity the answer most likely would be a ‘No’. However, this projection based mainly on their geopolitical and strategic perspectives may not be that accurate if the perceived notion is examined from the economic perspective. A million-dollar question thus would be—what are such possibilities?

National aspirations

India and China both have their own national aspirations. India wants to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and become a superpower over time. India qualifies for this because of her economic and technological advancement. China wants to expand its influence globally through the Bridge and Road Initiative (BRI) and become the first economic power well before the mid-21st century. This entails keeping herself safe against containment from superpowers and avoiding direct conflicts. These national aspirations could be the motivating and driving factors for both India and China to come closer. 

International financial institutions have projected that the 21st century will be the Asian century. The Chinese and Indian economies have already left the US economy behind in terms of their Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), nevertheless, the USA is still the number one in both economic and military power and will remain so for some time to come.  However, China and India are likely to supersede the US economy soon. Besides, the US economy would be affected by the de-dollarization initiative and the possible introduction of BRICS currency. Now, what happens if India and China closely cooperate and collaborate for larger economic interests and ally together for the realization of their national aspirations? If this materializes, the realization of the 21st century as the Asian century will happen earlier. India and China together will be the biggest economic and military power in the world and will be in the position to dictate global terms, thus ending the era of a unipolar world. 

Here, a hypothesis ‘the Western world would neither allow China and India to ally nor would they allow them to go to a war’, could be put to test. If they ally, they together will dominate the world and if they go to war, the possibility of a nuclear conflict cannot be denied; and both scenarios will be inconsistent with the interest of the Western power.

In the present scenario, could India ever become a permanent member of the UNSC? Will the best diplomatic and calculated strategic relationship with the USA help India realize her national aspiration? The existing defense dependency on Russian military hardware (more than 70 percent) and the relationship persisting since the Cold War period would not allow India to deviate from its basic strategic line for some time. Since Russia and China are strategically close and aligned, aligning with these two superpowers is likely to help India realize its national aspiration, which is unlikely by a piggyback from the USA. 

Therefore, the national aspirations and huge economic interest are likely to outweigh the military interest and competition, thus encouraging China and India to come closer. Through such cooperation and collaboration, the BRI gets the opportunity to access the Indian and South Asia markets which would, amongst other advantages, help China for the realization of its national aspiration.

Now a million-dollar question arises: Who would or can make this happen? Obviously, this will not happen on its own and some country or statesman has to take initiatives to facilitate the process. Here comes the possible role of Nepal and some of its acceptable statesmen who could lead a Track-II initiative. Nepal could play the role of a lynchpin between India and China. The BRI could be made a tool and the BRI passing through Nepal would bring India and China closer to materializing their national aspirations. The contentious issue between India and Pakistan would become a non-issue once China and India align; many of the outstanding and contentious issues between the three countries would fall in place through an amicable way out. The end result would be the peace that would prevail in the volatile South Asian Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya region as a whole.

In linear thinking, this proposal not only looks like wishful thinking but an absurd one. The issues are not as simple as debated above but also are not unachievable. Since most complicated issues generally have simple solutions, so could this be. The matching chemistry between the present leaderships of China and India could be an opportunity for turning this thinking into reality.

The author is Brig Gen (Retd) of Nepali Army and General Secretary of the Nepal Institute for Strategic Studies

The Tatopani checkpoint where Nepal shares a border with its northern neighbor China is to remain open from Friday.

The Tatopani checkpoint wherein human mobility has been halted for long will come into operation tomorrow.

A meeting between the Chinese and Nepali officials held at Lhasa on Tuesday decided to permit movement of the general public through the border point, informed Chief District Officer Ramesh Neupane. "We have made all necessary preparations from the Nepal side", he said.

The movement of goods carrying vehicles resumed three months back in the bordering checkpoint that has remained closed since the 2015 earthquake.

CDO Neupane further said that the human mobility through the border point will remain open from Friday onward.

According to him, locals from Sindhupalchowk district will receive a pass having a year permit for mobility through the border point.

The government has said that it would adopt a diplomatic channel to talk about the map issue with China.

China on Aug 28 released the 2023 edition of the standard map of China, which continues to show the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region with China’s border, provoking India. India has reacted furiously to the map.

In a separate context, China, which shares its border with Nepal, has demonstrated Nepal’s old map. Nepal adopted a new political map in 2020 incorporating the Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. The Chinese move, according to experts, indicates that China is yet to accept Nepal’s new political map. Experts are suggesting the government take up this issue with China diplomatically.

On Wednesday, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said the government would adopt a diplomatic channel to talk about the map China released recently. During a news conference, Minister Sharma who is also the spokesperson for the government said, "Our official map is pointed at the border and was passed by parliament unanimously. We need to talk through a diplomatic channel in which context China made its map public." 

In 2015, India and China had agreed to expand the border trade at Nathu La, Lipulekh Pass and Shipki La without consultations with Nepal. Later, Nepal’s government strongly reacted to the agreement writing diplomatic notes to both India and China. 

Meanwhile, India has lodged a strong protest through the diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the new map.

CPN (Maoist Center) General Secretary Dev Gurung returned home from China on Thursday.

Gurung, who had left for the northern neighbor to arrange Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s China visit, returned home by the Tibet Airlines flight today.

According to a source, Prime Minister Dahal sent him to China to discuss possible agendas of his China visit.

Gurung returned home after holding discussions with the leaders of the Chinese Community Party and diplomatic agencies.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that Prime Minister Dahal will visit China after wrapping up his India visit. But at the last hour, the Prime Minister has decided to visit China after the US visit.

Prime Minister Dahal will leave for the US on September 16.

He will leave for New York to take part in the United Nations General Assembly on that day.

Prime Minister Dahal will leave for China on September 21 after addressing the United Nations General Assembly.

It has been learnt that Prime Minister Dahal will meet the President, Prime Minister and the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party during his China visit.

The Prime Minister has been saying that there will be a power trade agreement during the visit.

He said that an agreement has already been made to connect the cross border transmission line in Rasuwa-China border.

Maoist Vice-Chairman Agni Sapkota had left for China before Dev Gurung.

Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav is leaving on a six-day visit to China on Monday afternoon.

The Vice-President is set to attend the 7th China South Asia Exposition and 27th China Kunming Import and Export Fair, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Yadav will lead a Nepali delegation to the event to be held in Kunming on August 16-20.  He is scheduled to address the official opening of the 7th China-South Asia Expo on August 16.

The Vice-President will board the China Eastern Airlines regular flight to Kunming from Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:25 pm, said the MoFA.

Vice-President Yadav will be accompanied by his spouse Champadevi Yadav, Secretary at the Office of Vice President Madhusudan Burlakoti, his personal secretary Satrudhan Yadav, personal doctor Bikram Silwal and two security personnel, it is said.

He will return home on August 21.

The death toll from recent flooding in and around China’s capital Beijing has risen to 33, including five rescuers, while 18 other people remain missing, officials said, as much of the country’s north remains threatened by ongoing heavy rainfall, Aljazeera reported.

Record downpours have hit China’s capital in recent weeks, damaging infrastructure and deluging swaths of the city’s suburbs and surrounding areas.

Officials said on Wednesday that 33 people had died and 18 others were missing after the recent bad weather in Beijing, mainly due to flooding and buildings collapsing.

Days of heavy rain hit areas in Beijing’s mountainous western outskirts especially hard, causing the collapse of 59,000 homes, damage to almost 150,000 others and flooding of more than 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of cropland, the city’s government said on Wednesday.

Many roads were also damaged, along with more than 100 bridges, Xia Linmao, a Beijing vice mayor, said at a news conference, according to Aljazeera.

“I would like to express my deep condolences to those who died in the line of duty and the unfortunate victims,” Linmao told reporters, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, said Typhoon Doksuri hit China more than a week ago but the extent of the devastation brought by flooding and building collapses is emerging only now.

“This is the worst natural disaster to high the capital in years. The last time a storm of this scale occurred was in 2012,” Yu said, noting that areas hit hardest more than a decade ago – when almost 80 people died – were against the worst affected by the recent typhoon.

“Difficult questions are now being raised as to why lessons from that previous storm were not learned, and why buildings and roads were not reinforced, and why this damage has happened yet again,” Yu said.

Other parts of China have also seen heavy flooding, with many reported killed by flood waters across northern China, which has been battered by heavy rain since late July, disrupting the lives of millions.

Officials in Beijing said last week that 147 deaths or disappearances last month were caused by natural disasters. Of those, 142 were caused by flooding or other geological calamities, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management said, Aljazeera reported.

In Hebei province, which neighbours Beijing, 15 were reported to have died and 22 were missing. And in northeastern Jilin, 14 died and one person was reported missing on Sunday.

Further north in Heilongjiang, state media reported that dozens of rivers had seen water levels rise above “warning markers” in recent days.

China’s deadliest and most destructive floods in recent history were in 1998, when 4,150 people died, most of them along the Yangtze River.

In 2021, more than 300 people died in the central province of Henan. Record rainfall inundated the provincial capital of Zhengzhou in July of that year, turning streets into rushing rivers and flooding at least part of a subway line.

Other areas in China are also suffering from the scorching summer heat and drought, which is threatening residents’ health and crop harvest.