Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, March 20: China has lodged a formal diplomatic protest and called for a thorough investigation after hundreds of copies of a book authored by Xi Jinping were burned at a technical institution in eastern Nepal, in an incident that has drawn significant diplomatic attention.
The controversy centres on Manmohan Technical University (MTU) in Budhiganga, Morang district, where a large number of copies of The Governance of China were burned on Saturday night. Videos circulating on social media showed stacks of books and documents being set ablaze on the university premises.
The Governance of China is a multi-volume compilation of Xi’s speeches and writings that outline his political ideology and governance framework. However, it remains unclear why such a large quantity of publications was stored at the technical institution.
Reacting swiftly, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu lodged a strong protest with Nepal’s government. A formal diplomatic communication, known as a “note verbale,” was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. In its message, China called for a comprehensive investigation, the identification of those responsible, and appropriate action against those involved. Acting on the request, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry promptly took up the matter with the Home Ministry.
Following the protest, authorities at both the district and provincial levels initiated an inquiry. Officials have confirmed that the Morang district administration and Koshi provincial police are currently investigating the case. A five-member inquiry committee has been constituted to determine responsibility within a stipulated timeframe. The panel is also expected to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The university administration has denied any political motive behind the burning. According to officials, the books were old, unused, and severely damaged by termites, and were disposed of as part of a routine clean-up operation.
Subash Shree Pokhrel, Vice Chancellor of MTU, stated that several copies of the book were “inadvertently” destroyed during the clearing of a storage room filled with old books, papers, and cartons that had been infested. “We had no intention of harming our friendly relations with China or disrespecting the publication,” Pokhrel said.
Despite these assurances, the incident has attracted widespread attention due to its broader geopolitical implications. China remains a key investor and development partner for Nepal, supporting major infrastructure projects including roads, airports, and public health facilities.
The episode has also sparked debate on social media, where reactions have been sharply divided. While some users viewed the incident as diplomatically sensitive, others criticised China’s response. One user on the platform X wrote, “Imagine a self-proclaimed superpower reacting strongly to the burning of a few books in Nepal while curbing free speech at home. The outrage appears less about respect and more about wounded pride.”
