‘China Hopes Nepal To Maintain Political And Social Stability’

— Zeng Xuyong

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Nepal, ZENG XUYONG, 57, started his career as staff member at the Asian Department of Chinese Chinese Foreign Ministry more than three decades ago (in 1967). A career diplomat, Xuyong has already served in Chinese embassies in Nepal and India. He was in diplomatic assignments in Kathmandu during 1975-81 and 1993-97.A student of Foreign Affairs College in Beijing, the soft-spoken diplomat spoke to KESHAB POUDEL. Excerpts of the interview:

How do you see the existing relations between Nepal and China?

China and Nepal are friendly neighbors linked by common mountains and rivers.  The friendly intercourse between the two peoples dates back from 1500 years ago.  Since the establishment of diplomatic ties of our two countries, China-Nepal good-neighborly and friendly relations and cooperation have been constantly consolidated and developed on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.  China-Nepal friendship has stricken root in the hearts of the two peoples, and has experienced the test of the changing international situation.  China-Nepal relations can be rated as a model of state-to-state good-neighborly cooperation.

The long-term development of China-Nepal relationship in a sustained, stable and sound way is attributed to the wisdom and vision of the two countries' leaders as well as the joint efforts of the two peoples.  China-Nepal relations are characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, treating each other on equal footing, and sincere cooperation.  Our friendly cooperation is not only in conformity with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but conducive to peace and stability in the region.  Looking forward into the new century, I am deeply convinced that the generation-to-generation good-neighborly partnership between China and Nepal is certain to be further consolidated and strengthened.

Do you think countries in the third world cannot make speedier economic development without democracy?

Peace and development are the two outstanding issues of the world today.  Developing their national economy is the common task that faces the third world countries.  However, I believe that whether or not the countries in the third world make speedier economic development doesn't totally depend on whether or not they adopt a certain democratic system.  The countries in the world have different political systems, and they are on various development levels.  Each country should choose social system and development path suitable to its own conditions so as to speed up its economic development.

Why do you think democratic behavior has not been very successful in the developing countries?

Actually, I don't think "democratic behavior has not been very successful in the developing countries", and of course don't have contrary opinion to it either.  As mentioned above, I think the world is diversified, and it's impossible to demand all the countries to pursue a common democratic system, a single development path and same social values.  The countries can not make success in such a way.  Each country should choose its own social system and development path according to its own state conditions.

What kind of impact do you think WTO is going to make on the poorer countries of the third world?

I think that the unreasonable old international economic order has greatly blocked the sound development of the world economy, and the wealth gap between the North and South has been further broadened.  Therefore, the existing international economic system should be reformed so as to promote the common development of all countries.   Economic globalization and entering the WTO bring to the developing countries not only opportunities, but also challenges, and likely severe challenges to poorer countries. The new round of WTO negotiations that are about to begin should fully reflect the reasonable demands of the developing countries.  We oppose trade discrimination and pressure imposed by the rich on the poor, and advocate that the developed countries should provide to the developing countries technological, funding and other assistance on global problems such as environment, population, poverty, and debt.

How do you visualize the future of SAARC? Do you believe it can make any tangible contribution to uplift the poor masses of South Asia in the present context?

Since its establishment in 1985, the SAARC has made consistent efforts in promoting South Asia regional cooperation, and achieved certain progress.  Although the process of development of SAARC is considered fairly slow, I believe the regional cooperation is conducive to the economic development and social progress, so as to make contributions to improving the living standards of the people in the region.  China constantly supports the South Asia countries to develop regional economic cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and hopes the SAARC get greater achievements on its way ahead.

How do you view the Maoist problem in Nepal?  They say they are the followers of the Chinese Leader Mao Zedong.  What do you say?

The Maoist problem is the internal affair of Nepal, and it is the Nepalese Government and people who should solve it.  Mao Zedong is the great leader of the Chinese people.  Under the guidance of the Mao Zedong Thought, Chinese people achieved great victories of democratic revolution and socialist revolution.  We always holds that each country should solve political, economic and social problems it faces according to its own actual situation, instead of copying some certain model.

Do you think the Maoists can pose serious problems in Nepal's neighboring countries?

As a friendly neighbor, China hopes Nepal maintain political and social stability, so as to benefit Nepal's economic development.

How do you see Nepal's trade with China in the near future?

The bilateral trade between China and Nepal has gradually increased in recent years.  According to statistics of China customs, the bilateral trade volume reached 150 million US$ in the first 9 months of this year, increasing 200% than the period of last year, and is an all-time high.  Out of it, trade volume between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal also increased by a big margin.  The 3rd meeting of China-Nepal Non-governmental Cooperation Forum is to be held in Kathmandu in the coming December, and next year Nepal will hold a trade fair in Lhasa.  I believe there is great potential in expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation of our two countries.

You have expressed the opinion that the Kalapani issue must be solved through tri-partite dialogue?  Would you like to elaborate?

First, I would like to clarify that I have not said the Kalapani issue must be solved through tri-partite dialogue.  When replying questions of journalists at the Reporters' Club Nepal on the last September 2, I have definitely expressed that the Kalapani issue is a bilateral territory dispute between Nepal and India.  China constantly advocates that bilateral problems should be solved through bilateral consultations and by peaceful manner.  I would like to reiterate that the Kalapani issue is a bilateral problem between Nepal and India.

‘Shifting Responsibilities To The Community And Private Sector Is The Best Way’

— MAATI MAATA

MATTI MAATTA, consulting manager at Forest and Park Service, has visited Nepal several times in the past. Maatta came to Nepal in 1988 to design a project. He also worked in Bhutan for two years for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Maatta spoke to SPOTLIGHT. Excerpts:

What is the present state of Nepalese forests?

Forest area in Nepal is declining over the years and large tracts of forest land has degraded into shrub. The study conducted by the forest resources information system project have shown that the forest has not been used in sustainable manner. I guessed that the government has been in the right path to hand over the management of this mountainous forest to local community. Although the community forestry was started long ago, its result is yet to be seen.  The forest  could be utilized in a more commercial manner in a sustainable way especially in terai. That has officially not taken place. Due to this, the country is losing heavily. It can provide opportunity to accumulate money through the sustainable management of the forest.

What is your observation regarding management of Nepali forest?

Of course, deforestation continues to threat remaining forest of the country. As it was shown by the report, the forest area has been dwindling over the years. It is evident in the terai that forest cover is being cleared all the time for agriculture and other land use. As forest area is declining, increase in shrub area is a visible result. What I have heard many say is that even there is positive sign of forest management in and around Kathmandu valley being done by local community. These are promising signs but in general there is still a lot to be done. This kind of reinventory study should usually be used in redefining the strategy.

What would you recommend for a country like Nepal which has fragile ecology and growing demand for agriculture land?

I fully support this idea that it is not possible for the government to manage the large forest areas and pieces of land. Shifting responsibilities to the community and private sector, I think, is one of the best ways for commercial management of the forest. The government has to support and monitor their activities instead of doing on its own. One has to plan for the land use in those areas that are allocated to private company and community. The government should have the role of controlling and monitoring.

Forest is still one of the major resources of Nepal. What would you suggest for its better utilization to maximize the benefits?

Forest is still one of the major resources of the country. There have been efforts to establish and design different kinds of management systems by different parties especially in the terai to harvest forest resources. However, no action seems to have been taken to maximize the benefits. In mountain areas also, there is possibility for the commercial exploitation of forest. In fact, Nepal is rich in bio-diversity. The question again is related to policy matters. The government has already taken many steps to protect the country's bio-diversity. This also should not be forgotten. There is a need to have different management for forest utilization. There must be a combined forest utilization program. The feeling is that the actual actions are lacking. One of the key findings of this inventory is that the shrub area is continuously increasing.