KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) leader Raj Kishor Yadav has emphasized the need to maintain balanced relations with China and regional powers.
Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Center for Social Inclusion and Federalism (CESIF) on Tuesday, regarding Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to China, Yadav stressed that Nepal should maintain equilibrium in its relationships with both the global community and regional powers.
Yadav, who also serves as the chairman of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, highlighted the importance of adopting a composed foreign policy without succumbing to panic when dealing with foreign nations. Regarding the Prime Minister's visit to China, he suggested evaluating it in terms of achieving balance rather than branding it as a success or failure. Yadav concluded that the visit holds practical significance due to the Prime Minister's wealth of experience.
Balanced relations with both India and China: Foreign Minister...
Dr Minendra Rijal, a Nepali Congress Central Executive Committee member and former minister, expressed concern over the use of imposing language on Nepal in the joint statement of the visit to China. He specifically raised apprehensions about the loan acquired by Nepal from China for the Pokhara Regional International Airport.
Former Ambassador Vijaya Kant Karna, who also serves as the executive chairman of CESIF, acknowledged the importance of the Prime Minister's visit but highlighted its limitations. Despite the announcement of 12 points in the joint statement, Karna noted that both countries have yet to follow through on previous agreements. He also pointed out that the visit failed to attract Chinese investment in infrastructure development.
Member of Parliament Chhiring Lhamu Lama (Tamang) emphasized the need to open the border crossings between Nepal and China, particularly in Karnali Province. Lama stated that the economic benefits to the province would be substantial if the five border crossings in Karnali were opened.
MP Shishir Khanal questioned the clarity of the purpose behind the Prime Minister's visit, stating that it did not significantly contribute to the Nepal-China relationship, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement and border crossing issues. He expressed concern about Nepal formally accepting the 'One China Principle' under the 'One China Policy.'
Former ambassador Madhu Raman Acharya observed that, apart from the transmission line between Kerung and Rasuwagadhi, there was no meaningful progress in the agreement. He expressed worry that only a few of the 70 agreements signed after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to China were being implemented. Additionally, Acharya raised concerns about the language used in the joint statement against Taiwan independence.
