China's emergence as a major world power is imminent

-Hari Gautam, Kathmandu( recently in Tibet)

Two weeks back, my friends and me decided to make a short trip to Lhasa, Tibet.

It was a rewarding journey to the ancient land wherein the Nepalese had begun doing business more than two hundred years ago. For Nepal and the Nepalese, Lhasa, is not new or should not be new.

When I was myself in the schools, we used to read much about Lhasa. History tells us that we have had several battles with the rulers of Lhasa and it is also a fact that Nepali forces had advanced even to the interiors of what is Lhasa today now. Concurrently, what is also true is that we have had excellent relations with the rulers of Lhasa and Nepal have had excellent trade relations as well. Above all, the story of Muna Madan does beautifully explain Nepal's ties with Lhasa in the ancient times.

It was a time when Nepal used to mint coins for that part of China in the good old days.

It was really an excitement for me to make a trip to such a land which I had read in the history books.

It took almost five full days to reach Lhasa by the land route. All lush green forests and pleasing environment accompanies one upto Lhasa. Dense forests and dilapidated road conditions at times makes one to go nervous. Nevertheless, the pleasing environment makes you to forget the dangers that lie ahead if proper care were not taken while driving the vehicle.

Finally I reached Lhasa as a tourist.

My seven days stay in Lhasa was not only a rewarding experience for me but also an opportunity to take stock of the Chinese investment in Lhasa and the manner the people there have contributed to the expansion and for the speedy development.

It was all a miracle for my friends and me. I can't imagine that one day my Nepal would look alike what is toda's Lhasa.

Lhasa is a bustling city now. What one could have observed a decade back will definitely bite his or her tongue. It is now a mega city with all the facilities available that are demanded of a city mentioned above.

Construction works are going round the year. The roads are wide enough to allow four vehicles to ply both ways. Greenery abounds in the entire city. Departmental stores cater to the needs of the local population. Above all, no body in Lhasa feels insecure. No theft or cases of burglary are heard. Top class hotels and hundreds of high quality restaurants could be found. The price could be compromises as per the strength of your pocket.

Lhasa, proper Lhasa urban area, is inhabited by some 4, 67,000 people, I was told. Rest live in the suburban areas or in the villages.

Lhasa is seven times bigger than Nepal, territory wise.

About four hundred fifty Nepali citizens live in Lhasa, most of whom await citizenship certificates. Some Nepalese have recently opened restaurants that serve continental foods to foreigners and are earning a lot.

Hard work and continuous work has made Lhasa's development magnificent. The Tibetans feel pride in being a Chinese.

Tourism sector has dramatically expanded over the years and one could see thousands of tourists landing in Lhasa every day.

The entire city of Lhasa is flooded with Mobile sets which indicates the entrance of IT in once excluded Lhasa.

I was told that by the end of 2005, Lhasa will be connected to the mainland China through Railways. If Nepal could manage this railways to come up to our own territories would mean rapid expansion of our own trade with Lhasa and mainland China.

I predict through these columns that within a decade or so, China is definitely emerging as a super power, economically and politically both. It is not surprising therefore to learn that of the total of the world's heavy equipments, 20% are in China. This should justify my prediction.

My own consideration is that given dedication in and among the leaders for the nation and her development, a nation can develop even within a short span as what Tibet has accomplished over the years. However, should I expect such dedication from our leaders?

Shame on us! I have returned Nepal ridden with inferiority complex which is a fact that I must accept.

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