Geopolitical implications on Nepal-China Relations After-2008

Abstract

Since the formal diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1955, Nepal and China have enjoyed the relations of balance and cooperation. China has always treated Nepal as a good neighbor and has been helping Nepal in times of needs. China has always respected Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity besides being a reliable development partner for the country. On its part, Nepal has remained committed to ‘one-China’ policy. Geopolitics refers to a geographic element such a country's geographic position, climate, available resources, population, power structure, Land Power, Ideology and topography and its influence in domestic and international policy formation and implementation of the country. In this respect geopolitics, however, comes to complicate the relations between the two countries. Nepal's southern neighbor has always been concerned about the development and infrastructure projects with funding and assistance from China. Since the construction of the Kodari highway in the 1960s, India has shown its non-cooperation. Today it continues not only with the construction of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports but also in the hydropower projects being built with Chinese investment and Chinese contractors. The decision made by the Indian government not to purchase electricity except Indian investment creates investment risk for other countries in Nepal. China is in favor of a stable and strong government in Nepal so that it can maintain both economic cooperation and trust. In the border area between Nepal and China, the government of Nepal should ensure security to prevent anti-Chinese activities. The trade and transit agreement signed between Nepal and China in 2019 should be implemented to put an end to the landlocked situation of Nepal. Both sides should implement the agreement to build a railway connecting Nepal and China and open the door to the economic growth of Nepal. India needs to pay attention to Nepal's sovereignty in Nepal-China relations. Qualitative method has been used in this study and secondary data was collected from journal articles, dependable books, and genuine websites. For this study, an exploratory research design has been used.