Kathmandu, May 25: The Embassy of China in Kathmandu has rejected allegations circulating on social media claiming that a Chinese national attempted to bribe Nepali journalists to publish negative reports against a ruling senior Nepali politician.
In a statement issued by the embassy spokesperson, the Chinese side described the allegations as “rumors” and said it was “deeply shocked” by the claims. The statement categorically denied any involvement and condemned what it called deliberate attempts to defame China.
The embassy reiterated that China has consistently adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and has supported Nepal in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
According to the statement, China has also remained committed to supporting Nepal’s political stability, economic development and public welfare.
Statement from Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
Q: Recently, there are rumors spreading on social media in Nepal that a Chinese national attempted to bribe several journalists from Nepali media outlets to make negative reports on certain Nepali politician. May I ask whether the rumors are true, and what’s your take on it?
A: The Chinese side is deeply shocked to learn of the rumors you mentioned, and categorically rejects them. We strongly condemn such acts of deliberate denigration of China. I must emphasize that China has always been adhering to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, has been consistently and firmly supporting Nepal’s efforts in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and has been actively supporting Nepal’s political stability, economic development, and improvement of people’s livelihood. We urge relevant Nepali authorities to conduct a serious, in-depth and thorough investigation into the rumors you mentioned, and severely punish those directly involved in them as well as those behind them in accordance with the Nepali law. We stand ready to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation with the Nepali side to safeguard the shared interests of our two countries.
Let reason and wisdom put an end to rumors. We believe all Nepali friends will see right from wrong, and will work together with us to contribute to promoting the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and Nepal.
The embassy urged relevant Nepali authorities to conduct a serious and thorough investigation into the matter and take legal action against those directly involved and those allegedly responsible for spreading the rumors.
The statement further expressed China’s readiness to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation with Nepal to safeguard the shared interests of the two countries and called on people to reject misinformation and preserve the long-standing friendship between Nepal and China.
A phone conversation allegedly involving a person claiming to be a Chinese national and senior journalist Kishor Shrestha has surfaced online, triggering widespread debate on social media in Nepal.
According to reports, the caller allegedly attempted to persuade Shrestha to publish news reports against former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. Following the release of the audio conversation, Shrestha shared a photograph on social media showing a bottle of liquor and Rs. 50,000 in cash allegedly left at the gate of his office by an unidentified woman.
According to Kishor Shrestha, he received a phone call on Friday from a Chinese number allegedly registered under the name Saurabh Yadav. He claimed the callers identified themselves using the fake names “Mr. Ying” and “Mr. M.”
Shrestha said the callers allegedly offered him Rs. 1 million to publish news reports aimed at blocking Sudhan Gurung from becoming home minister. He further stated that the callers had mentioned sending him a “small gift,” but he ignored the proposal.
Before Shrestha posted his statement, a controversial video had already surfaced on social media. The video, shared from the Facebook account of mechanical engineer Shailesh Sah, included an alleged phone conversation between journalist Shrestha and a person described as a “Chinese national,” along with several screenshots related to the exchange.
Shrestha himself has urged the government and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to investigate the matter and bring the truth to light.
A source at the Lalitpur District Police Office said that Shrestha has lodged a verbal complaint regarding the incident. #Nepal
photo -janasta
