Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal’s Diplomatic Reassurance Visit to China Following Nepal’s Engagement with India
Image source, @EoNBeijing
According to former foreign ministers and diplomats, China currently remains ‘cautious about Nepal’s government policy’.
Against this backdrop, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, currently on a visit to China, is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday afternoon; however, detailed information about the talks has yet to be disclosed.
Regarding the overall objectives of Nepal’s new government’s visit to China, former Foreign Minister and CPN leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha states that it remains unclear how the current government will conduct foreign policy and implement it in practice. “Therefore, it is necessary to present itself in a way that gains the confidence of neighboring countries.”
Some perceive that the background of the Jan Ji movement and the resultant government has caused concern in China.
“I hesitate to use the term ‘cautious,’ but there is widespread curiosity about the government’s foreign policy, and to some extent, concern could exist,” Shrestha explains. “The government should clarify that it will advance by prioritizing neighbors while emphasizing an independent foreign policy and the continuation of non-alignment.”
Minister Khanal is also expected to hold talks with other senior Chinese officials.
According to leader Shrestha, the success of these discussions will depend on how China is reassured and how the government presents itself in practice.
“We must convince China that we support an independent foreign policy and want to further strengthen friendly, neighborly relations,” he said.
Reassuring Concerns Over a Westward Shift
Image source, @EoNBeijing
Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign affairs advisor during the tenures of Prime Ministers Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba, believes Nepal must reassure China. For Minister Khanal, this China visit is a critical test.
He says, “China is very cautious. It is essential to convince them. The success of this visit will be judged by how effective the foreign minister is in that regard.”
The government has formed a strong administration with nearly a two-thirds majority after elections.
Normally, this political situation should be conducive to better relations, cooperation, and bilateral partnerships. Yet, questions arise as to why neighboring countries remain wary.
Diplomat Bhattarai attributes this to the Jan Ji movement, its subsequent activities, and related discussions, which have links to anti-China actions.
“The current government appears westward-leaning, so reassuring China is the key priority,” he adds. “The degree to which we appear credible matters greatly.”
Former Foreign Minister and CPN-UML leader Raghuvir Mahaseth notes an increase in anti-China activities in Nepal following the Jan Ji movement.
“The TIGs seen in the Jan Ji movement are clearly anti-China,” he states. “Considering the government’s actions, there are concerns whether Nepal might become a hub for activities against India or China. It is thus natural for both neighbors to feel apprehensive.”
Amid allegations of the government tilting westward and its reluctance to engage with visiting American and other diplomats in Nepal, some speculate that Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen might have sent a signal in response.
Mahaseth analyzes that Minister Khanal is likely to reaffirm his commitment to ensuring Nepalese territory is not used against China during his meetings with Chinese leaders.
“He is a sensible person and will seek to alleviate these concerns,” he says. “However, this must be evident in practice.”
A High-Level Visit to Follow
Image source, @EoNBeijing
Some experts believe that distrust and deep suspicion toward the government persist in neighboring countries.
Former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai recalls the warning offered by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Kathmandu, emphasizing China’s sensitivity to conspiracies against it.
“In my view, the first test for the foreign policy is the relationship with neighbors,” he states. “A strong government has many opportunities to expand investments, relations, various agreements, and discuss agriculture and tourism sectors. The foundation, however, must be mutual trust.”
Based on this, some advocate for effective, trustworthy environments and high-level bilateral visits.
Former Minister Mahaseth advises Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen to visit both neighboring countries.
“Practically, it is important to convince governments and top leaders of both countries that Nepal’s territory will not be used against either of them,” he says. “Diplomatic success is currently more urgent than development for the country.”
Mahaseth comments that the activities within Nepal after Minister Khanal’s return will be the test that determines the strengthening of relations.
“It’s the conduct of the government that ultimately builds confidence,” he notes.
Image source, @EoNBeijing
Experts believe preparations for high-level visits can proceed after Minister Khanal’s return.
Previously, during the last parliamentary term, a National Independent Party delegation led by former deputy speaker Swarnim Wagle had visited China.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) and its chairman Ravi Lamichhane are expected to prioritize economic diplomacy and development-related matters, which is believed to attract both neighbors.
“If a strong foundation of trust is established, it could convert political stability into an opportunity,” Bhattarai concludes.
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