During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s visit to China, Nepal appeared to decline China’s invitation to join President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). However, both countries on September 26, agreed to advance an ambitious cross-border connectivity project. The joint statement highlighted various border infrastructure initiatives, but did not make any reference to the GSI.
Highlights
Here is the highlight from the joint statement released after the summit-level meeting between the two leaders:
- The Nepal side supports China’s proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI).
- Nepal is considering joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
- The 2017 agreement for cooperation under Mr Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was noted.
- Both sides will “accelerate consultations” to finalise the text of an already delayed BRI implementation plan as soon as possible.
- Both sides are in agreement to undertake a joint inspection of the China-Nepal boundary.
- They also agreed to enforce the Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Nepal on the Boundary Management System as soon as possible.
- According to the joint statement, both parties have agreed to maintain ongoing discussions regarding the protocol between the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal. The purpose of these consultations is to enhance border management and cooperation by establishing a three-level Boundary Contact System.
- The joint statement also emphasised the multitude of infrastructure projects that link Nepal and China via Tibet. Notably, China has conducted a feasibility study for the cross-border railway connecting Lhasa and Kathmandu.
Also Read | What Is Global Security Initiative (GSI)?
Analysis
- Kathmandu is engaging in a careful balancing act. It will work with China on development projects but maintain caution on security cooperation matters.
- Historically, both nations have discussed boundary management. However, this represents a significant milestone as it is the first instance of them coming to a consensus on conducting joint inspections.
- In a report leaked last year, the BBC quoted a Nepal government report that accused China of encroaching into Nepal along their shared border. This marked the first official claim from Nepal regarding Chinese interference in its territory. The report shed light on the growing concern over territorial disputes between the two nations.