Nepal and China are enjoying a cordial relationship. The two countries have strong faith in universal equality, mutual interest and long-lasting friendship. This is the basis of problem-free friendship of two countries. Our differences in geography, population or economy have never become a barrier to our deep friendship. China has been generously supporting the development of Nepal, and Nepal has always taken China’s concerns into consideration.
There is no dispute between the two countries at the government level. However, there are some areas that both countries need to work further.
For example, even though Nepal signed the BRI seven years ago, it has not yet been implemented. As far as we know, serious discussions are going on between the two countries on this issue. I believe that the governments of both the countries will soon decide on the modality for the implementation of the BRI project and the project will go on operation soon.
Nepal’s economy is comparatively small and we have to fulfill our significant needs along with our development efforts. Our citizens have seen the world, studied and worked in abroad and returned to the country. They have seen the development happening around the world. And when they return to Nepal and don’t see good progress in work done here in comparison to the developed countries, their dissatisfaction level increases. Common citizens are also not satisfied with the development practices in Nepal. The frustration cannot be addressed by delivering speech, but it should be addressed by planned action.
Considering the size of Nepal’s economy, we cannot complete all the development efforts that we want. For that, we need cooperation from the neighbor like China which has large and strong economy. We believe that we can make change and progress and move the development cycle to a new phase with the implementation of some game changing projects with the support form economically giant countries.
Nowadays, it is good to see our relations are being intensified at people-to-people level. Governments are formal and official instruments of diplomacy. However, people to people relations greatly help to increase understanding about two friendly countries. It is relevant to state that I have attended some important meetings and interactions of with some scholars of universities in China. Recently, I took part at Guangxi University as a key note speaker. I have requested university officials to establish Nepal Center to increase common understanding about Nepal. Our people-to-people relations should be focused on exchanging good knowledge and academic advancement for mutual benefits and understanding.
The extraordinary progress that China has achieved today has become possible under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The CPC firmly stands on the foundation of its rich and glorious experiences. It has learned from the mistakes made in the past, has upheld its strengths. The Communist Party of China has recently taken some important decisions to improve China’s economy from the third meeting of the 20th Central Committee. China’s future path has been clearly revealed in the political report presented by General Secretary Xi Jinping to the 20th Congress held two years ago. Since then, I have been to China three times. Every time I go to China, I find some progress and new things being done. The main thing is that the vanguard of the party is fully committed to the visionary leadership of General Secretary Xi. The CPC is walking on a new path of socialism by overcoming its weaknesses. At the same time, this third meeting has proved itself as a milestone.
Being emerging global power, China’s development and progress have wider impact in the world. In the 1990s, after the fall of the socialist power from the Soviet Union, those who celebrated the victory that the world has become unipolar have come to a place where they have to rethink their conclusion and rhetoric. China is moderately reshaping the world again for the just world by challenging the previous narratives of power equation and economic development.
Because of the progress of China, the center of the world is now shifting towards Asia. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the center of the world was in Europe, while in the 19th century, Britain alone ruled the world. And in the 20th century, America became the world power in the competition between the Soviet Union and America. Now in the twenty-first century, American influence is declining. A liberal capitalist country is also adopting a protectionist policy and imposing unjustified taxes. Besides NATO, USA is building various military structures like Quad because it has realized that its imperial status is being expired soon.
China is quietly doing its work. China is expanding its influence by cooperating in matters such as economy, science and technology, education, development and construction. Especially, the way China saved itself from the economic recession of 2008, China has established itself as the world’s successful and sustaining economic leader. Various projections figures indicate that China will become number one in all aspects in the near future.
This has changed the global order. China is making tremendous achievements on every front. Positive changes and reforms in China have automatic influence in the world. The deepening reform of China has wider impact on global reform and progress. As a close and immediate neighbor, Nepal should take and benefits from great reforms and development of China. By organizing a timely and relevant program here on China’s deepening reforms and its global impact, China Media Group and Sino Nepal Media Society have brought appropriate issue on the light. So, organizers deserve much appreciations. Thank you all for paying your attention to me.
(Address by Bishnu Rijal, Central Committee Member of the CPN (UML) at the seminar on ‘Global Opportunities in Deepening China’s Reform in the New Era’ organized by China Media Group Asia Pacific & Sino Nepal Media Society at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu, on July 30, 2024)
