Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 15: In a recent high-level meeting held on Monday, China intensified its diplomatic pressure on Nepal, urging Kathmandu to further restrict activities related to Tibet and Taiwan within its borders. The concerns were conveyed by Ambassador Zhang Maoming during his meeting with Nepal’s Home Minister, Sudan Gurung, where Beijing raised alarm over what it described as “separatist” activities and a perceived “westward tilt” in Nepal’s political orientation.
Ambassador Zhang explicitly warned the Nepali leadership against any participation in the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of the Central Tibetan Administration’s President Penpa Tsering, scheduled for May 27 in Dharamshala. “They might invite the government of Nepal to the oath-taking ceremony, so I would like to draw your attention to this matter,” the ambassador said.
China’s concerns have reportedly been compounded by recent developments, including a congratulatory message extended by the Tibetan political leader to Balendra Shah, as well as increased visibility of pro-Taiwan activities in the capital. One such incident involved the public display of the Taiwanese flag, which Beijing views as a direct challenge to its territorial claims.
Beijing also flagged concerns over the registration status of Tibetan refugees and recent visits by representatives of the Dalai Lama, which have allegedly irritated Chinese strategic circles.
Also present at the meeting, Home Ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle confirmed the substance of the discussions. “During the meeting, our home minister clearly stated that the Nepal government upholds the principle position on the Tibetan issue that it has been upholding for a long time, and will not allow its land to be used against China,” Kafle stated. “He also assured that the Nepal government is ready to contain such activities.”
Home Minister Gurung reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the ‘One-China’ policy, assuring that Kathmandu would maintain its established stance on both Tibet and Taiwan. He emphasized Nepal’s sovereign decision-making, stating that the country would not become “a pawn of any foreign power,” while also assuring that its territory would not be used against neighbouring states. “We are determined and committed to the country’s sovereignty and territory and will not be the pawn of any foreign power,” he told the ambassador.
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs has historically exercised strict oversight on Tibetan refugee communities, particularly to prevent anti-China protests. This policy approach was reaffirmed during the latest round of talks.
Adding context to the evolving situation, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha observed that Beijing remains particularly sensitive to symbolic gestures, such as messages of goodwill from Tibetan leaders. He also noted that recent visits by representatives of the 14th Dalai Lama and the reception they received in Kathmandu have contributed to China’s growing unease. “They perceive a pattern of anti-China activities emerging in Nepal over the past few months,” Shrestha remarked.
During the meeting, the Chinese envoy also alluded to the possibility of “third-country” involvement in Nepal’s internal dynamics, suggesting attempts to strategically “encircle” China. Although no specific country was named, Gurung responded by reiterating Nepal’s neutral stance and commitment to maintaining balanced relations with all its neighbours. The meeting reflects Beijing’s increasing anxiety over Nepal’s diplomatic trajectory, particularly in the wake of last year’s Gen-Z protests.
