Nepal-China Bilateral ties have enjoyed sound and smooth development for much of the last six decades since the two countries established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1955. Over the years, the relations have grown to the mutual satisfaction of both countries. The sympathy and solidarity extended by the government and people of China and the spontaneous response shown in providing relief assistance to the victims of devastating earthquakes in Nepal are the reflection of true friendship and understanding between the two immediate neighbors.As an old Chinese adage goes, 'By the age of 40, one has no doubt about the world.' This proven proverb portraits the already matured Nepal-China bond of friendship ushering in its sixtieth anniversary this year. From the frequent exchange of visits by top leaders of the two countries at the government level and continual people-to-people contacts have helped in furthering links for the mutual benefit. Building on six decades of sustained relations, Nepal and China are poised to expand their comprehensive partnership. It is encouraging to note that the leaders of both nations have vowed to promote collaboration in a host of new areas including reconstruction and rehabilitation after the devastating earthquake.
Chinese comprehensive assistance package in core area covers unconditional financial support, loans for reconstruction projects, encouragement for Chinese enterprises and non-governmental organizations to take part in Nepal's economic reconstruction, helping train professional and skilled personnel and lending hand in restoring cultural heritage damaged by the quake. The Sino-Nepal relations is free from problems and this multi-faceted bond of friendship is mightily moving forward. China has become the largest development partner providing substantial amount as grant and the biggest investor in varieties of businesses and industries.
Until the last decade, China almost remained silent regarding her development assistance but she gradually started opening her doors to the entire world sending the message that it is no more a closed nation. China has become more open and media-friendly after the leaders of Communist Party of China Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang assumed the top post of President and Premier respectively. Only last week, in a press conference organized at the Chinese Embassy here in Kathmandu, Zhang Xiangchen, the Deputy China International Trade Representative and the head of the delegation, said that infrastructure projects were in priority that included restoration and re-opening of the Araniko and Syabrubensi-Rasuwagadi Highways to traffic and urban transportation and public buildings in the river valley regions of Kathmandu. The aim is to enhance China-Nepal connectivity and help large cities such as Kathmandu in post-disaster reconstruction.
"For improving people's livelihood after the earthquake in north Nepal, priority projects are schools, hospitals and resettlement buildings for earthquake victims in Sindhupalchok and Rasuwa. The aim is to help post-disaster reconstruction of the severely-affected areas in North Nepal," he said giving details of the project. He also laid emphasis on the restoration of cultural relics, priority on the overall restoration of Durbar Square and Swayambhunath to help Nepal revitalize its tourism industry.
He further said, "For capacity building for disaster prevention and mitigation, priority is on devising disaster prevention and mitigation plans, earthquake monitoring network and urban seismic zoning research to help Nepal improve its disaster prevention and control capabilities. For medical and health cooperation, priority is to upgrade the civil servant hospital and offer medical equipment and personnel training to improve Nepal's medical infrastructure and service capacity."
He expressed his country's commitment to give full play to the projects with Chinese assistance and promote Nepal's social and economic recovery and development. He also shared that China planned to restore the ongoing projects of Phase I of Kathmandu inner ring road and the Tatopani Checkpoint, and to repair and reinforce the projects built in Nepal with Chinese assistance.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction, on 25 June had announced a package of aid to the tune of 777 million dollars for the next three years. Describing Nepal as a country with very close ties with China and a privileged partner in bilateral and international affairs, the foreign minister also said that the local governments of China will also play a role in Nepal's reconstruction through province- to-province and city-to-city channels, while more efforts would be made to help Nepal build its own disaster coping and rehabilitation capabilities. China's such munificence is praiseworthy.
China has been consistently urging Nepal to play a constructive role in the trilateral cooperation among China, India and Nepal. Chinese ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai, while addressing a gathering of senior diplomats and journalists recently in the capital stressed on importance of three-party diplomatic relations. He said, "It's time for Nepal to find the areas of cooperation, models of cooperation and especially projects of cooperation."
Recalling Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting with Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction on June 25 in Kathmandu, Ambassador Wu said an economic corridor among the three nations might create more opportunities, revenues and benefits. "Reconstruction is an opportunity of social and economic development for Nepal in which Chinese initiatives like AIIB and Belt and Road can be significant," said the Chinese envoy. Nepal, being one of the founding members of AIIB can reap maximum benefit from this institution.
Trade imbalance is one of the burning issues facing Nepal. Nepal looks forward to receiving substantial Chinese assistance in this regard too. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal recorded a trade deficit of 53215.10 million Nepali rupees in December of 2014. Balance of Trade in Nepal averaged -21005 million Nepali rupees from 2001 until 2014, reaching an all time high of -3913.30 Nepali rupees in October of 2001 and a record low of -60293.70 million Nepali Rupees in August of 2014.
On this joyous moment of sixtieth year of diplomatic ties, Nepal is grateful for the support China has been rendering within her capacity. The volume of assistance has increased every year to the broader benefit of Nepal and the Nepali people. The Chinese leaders and the Chinese people have extended their helping hands selflessly and we have to understand their genuine concerns that there is no room for any anti-Chinese activates. Their generosity has demonstrated the deep friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
China has always supported Nepal's independence, development, peace and stability and worked together in regional and multilateral forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations. The foreign policy of both nations is built upon the rock solid foundation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Both countries are taking care of each other's concern, and understand and support each other. Nepal has to remain steadfast that it will not allow anyone to engage in any anti-China activities on her soil and assure in action and deed that she really cares Chinese concern. RSS
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