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Kathmandu Tuesday February 27, 2001 Falgun 16, 2057.
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Their Majesties’ China visit
The weeklong state visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen to the
People’s Republic of China, starting today, is highly significant for both countries.
This visit, at the invitation of Chinese President Jiang Zemin, marks yet another exchange
of visits at the highest level. This is the third state visit of His Majesty the King to
China and attempts to further strengthen the relationship between the two close neighbours
- Nepal and China. The first state visit to China took place in December 1973, a year
after His Majesty the King ascended the throne. The second was in September 1993. These
state visits certainly underline the fact that the ties between Nepal and China can never
be ignored at cost to political ideology. China has no doubt helped Nepal as much as other
countries to develop infrastructure as well as to improve this country’s economy.
They have also helped to further the economic cooperation between Nepal and China.
Formally, Kathmandu established diplomatic relations with Beijing based on
the principles of Panch Sheel in 1955. However, this does not mean that Nepal had no
relations with China prior to that. In fact, right from Hieun Tsang and Arniko, there had
been many exchanges of visits both at the diplomatic and political levels between the two
countries. This is not to speak of visits by the ordinary peoples of the two countries.
This apart, both countries share common border, culture and religion that brought the
peoples of two countries closer. This is the main reason why China has considered Nepal a
bridge between the East and South Asia. China has always respected the sovereignty of
Nepal.
China has made rapid progress in economic development after it started
adopting opening-up policies. The state visit of Their Majesties comes at a time when the
country is facing an economic slowdown. Besides, this state visit comes less than three
years after India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, putting the whole region in a
state of insecurity and uncertainty. The fate of the SAARC lies in limbo, following
India’s objection to General Parvez Musharraf coming to power after a bloodless coup
in Pakistan. Given these factors, it is absolutely necessary for Nepal to strengthen its
relations with the northern neighbour for economic cooperation. Though political leaders
may not quite agree, Nepal has been unable to benefit from the regional cooperation.
Rather, it has become more dependent economically on one single country. The state visit
should not only further strengthen the four-decade-old political and ageless informal ties
but should also foster fruitful economic cooperation between the two countries.
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