Neighborly Integration

The book highlights importance of Nepal-China relations

By KESHAB POUDEL

Following the publication of a book on Nepal's Defensive Strategy and Nepal-China Relations by Chinese scholar Wang Xung in Nepalese language in Nepal, a book was recently released on Nepal in China in English and Chinese language.

Edited by Upendra Gautam, general secretary of Nepal China Study Center, the book that is a compilation of nine different articles is first of its kind translated into Chinese language targeting the Chinese audiences.

Published to commemorate the golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, the book consists of various articles written by Nepalese scholars highlighting the different levels of contact between the two countries and importance of the relations.

"The key objective of this book is to share knowledge and experience of the Nepali scholars, professionals and journalists about the two neighboring countries Nepal and China with the Chinese people and China's 14 other immediate neighbors, who may be interested in how a small country Nepal is conducting its relations with a very huge country China in new times," writes editor Gautam in his note.

The first part of book discusses the fundamental characteristics and dynamic strengths of bilateral relations and new policy initiatives. The second part reviews the state-to-state, people to people and emerging new private sector driven economic relations. The last chapter deals with hydropower development, industry health and other areas.

Contributed by well-known Nepalese scholars of various fields, the articles compiled in the book gives general views about Nepal-China relations. "Nepal-China relations have yet to conserve and harness required strength that is befitting to the overall potential of the bilateral ties. This can be achieved only by the fulfillment of mutual interests and by China's assertive role. Nepal's eroding sovereignty under the weight of the over bearing foreign interference including the one which is part of the game plan to encircle China, can undermine the new initiatives to strengthen Nepal-China relationship," writes Chairman of Nepal China Study Center Madan Regmi in his article “The Relative Strength.”

Another senior journalist Shirish S.J.B. Rana discusses the relations between Nepali monarch and Chinese Communist party explaining the evolution of Nepal's foreign policy.  In his article, New Integration, editor Gautam explains failure of Nepal to benefit from the economic development of China. "It took about 40 years for Nepal and China to reach an agreement on the second 22-km road that would link Rasuagadi on the China' border to Syabrubesi, which already has a 132 kilometer road to Kathmandu. China is said to have to build another 26 km stretch in her territory to connect Nepal with its western road network," writes Gautam." By agreeing to build a second road link to China's border, China and Nepal have recognized the need to further increase land-borne trade and social contacts."

Professor Bishwambher Pyakuryal in his article Economies of Neighborhood for Industrial Complementarities discusses areas of Chinese investment particularly in hydropower development in Nepal. "Clearly, the Chinese expertise in carrying out the engineering and manufacturing of the electro-mechanical-hydro equipment, and in constructing and installing power plants in the most efficient and cost effective manner put them at an immense vantage point and great advantage.”

Professor Bishweshore Man Shrestha also highlights the economic cooperation between the two countries. Other articles compiled in the book are written by Madhur Dev Bhattarai, Satya Dhoj Adhikary and Indra Kumar Pradhan.

Although there are many ups and downs in the international relations, Nepal's geo-strategic position remains important for both of Nepal's two neighbors to their own security.

Five decades after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Nepal and China continue to find out a way to cement their relationship. As Nepal and China are celebrating golden jubilee year of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have been trying to hold various programs.