Nepal and China: Two Old Civilisations Embrace

By Seow Choong Liang | Mar 17, 2018 | Views: 913

Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping

(By Seow Choong Liang)

Old and dusty Kathmandu has been busy lately. As described by Jayadeva Ranade, President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy in a recent article “China rises in Nepal, eyes Lumbini”, a flurry of financial and other assistance has been pouring into Nepal.

To understand the significance of this inflection point between China and Nepal, one needs to understand two key things – the under-performing economy of Nepal (its per person Gross Domestic Product is a mere 5% fraction of the world average), and its chronic and dependent trade relations with India (Nepal’s trade deficit with India hit a record high in 2017 and it imports almost 60% of its needs from India).

Nepal has not been this close to China for a very long time. This changed when conditions on both sides recently became conducive for such a development. For example, 65 years in the making, Nepal’s new constitution was passed on 16 September 2015, which finally ended the monarchy, made Nepal a republic, and firmly ended the chances of a monarchical revival. Of particular political significance, the new constitution passed despite diplomatic efforts by former King Gyanendra Shah, who visited India just prior to the vote in Parliament.

On 11 October 2015, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, more commonly known as K.P. Oli, was elected as Nepal’s Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote, receiving 338 votes out of 597. He was again elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal for a second time on 15 February 2018. His first term was dominated by the economic blockade imposed by India upon the declaration of the Constitution of Nepal, during which he took a defiant stance against India’s position to amend the constitution. At the same time, he signed trade and transit treaties with China in a bid to counter Indian dependence.

On the other side of the equation is China whose interests in Nepal, as Jayadeva Ranade puts it, are long-term. According to him, China has,

“…designated Nepal a ‘friend’, induced it to join Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship “Belt and Road Initiative” and offered it financial and other assistance in addition to holding out the prospect of a security arrangement.”

The birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, Nepal

The birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni in Lumbini, Nepal.

In recent years, China has also been ramping up its involvement in Nepal mainly through economic engagement, much to India’s discomfort in what it considers to be its backyard. China had attempted to invest an estimated US$1-3 billion in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni in 2011 — which included an airport, railway links, a seminary-cum-monastery and allocation of land to senior Buddhist leaders of various traditions. This proposal has been recently revived.

China’s telecommunications giant Huawei has set up and expanded mobile phone networks in Kathmandu and other cities and ZTE has upgraded Nepal Telecom’s nationwide mobile phone capacity. Earlier this month, Nepal had also agreed to enable the use of China’s internet infrastructure, a vital link which was previously a monopoly controlled by India.

One of the most radical developments for Nepal is the proposed extension of the Qinghai-Lhasa railway from Zhangmu which is on the border with Nepal, to the Nepali capital Kathmandu and onwards to Lumbini. From there, the proposal includes a connection to Yadong. This line, which is currently expected to carry an estimated 7 million tonnes of cargo a year and augmented by an all-weather road network, will provide important alternate routes to landlocked Nepal, bringing a badly needed boost to business and trade.

The preservation of Buddhism would be of great benefit to both China and Nepal

As we can see, the good relationship between China and Nepal brings manyfold benefits, from economics to the culture. A good relationship with China, the world’s largest economy, means Nepal will have superior economic growth opportunities to bring it up from its current level.

In addition, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and one of the spiritual epicentres for Buddhists will be preserved well with China’s help. This is also beneficial for China who has a long history with Buddhism and where Buddhist values have had a significant impact on Chinese culture, which is intrinsically inseparable from its national philosophical outlook.

This also complements the fast economic and material growth that China has experienced over the last two decades. The Chinese Communist government has recognised the importance and value of having spiritual pillars which anchor its people in positivity and virtue in the long run. Indeed, this combination of material development and the embracing of spiritual values will bring more stability to the region and will contribute to world peace. We are all happy to see peace; discord will get us nowhere in either sphere.

Moving forward, given recent and strong hints of how India and China are trying to connect with each other and be closer, both countries should take the great opportunity to work together to preserve Buddhism (for example, by making a combined effort to preserve the holy site of Bodhgaya in India) and form a strong connection with Nepal as well. After all, India and China are two of the world’s oldest civilisations and their working in harmony spreading Eastern values hand in hand would be of tremendous benefit to this generation and beyond.

In conclusion, the embracing of China by Nepal and vice versa would not only ensure better material growth for Nepal, but also the preservation and advancement of Buddhist and other related spiritual practices in the country and abroad. Much benefit lies in store for both Nepal and China through this landmark investment into Lumbini. If India were to also join in this noble endeavour, there will be innumerable benefits for the continent and the world.

Source: http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/13054-china-rises-nepal-eyes-lumbini. Click on image to enlarge.

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10 Responses to Nepal and China: Two Old Civilisations Embrace

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Samfoonheei on Jun 5, 2020 at 3:52 pm

Nepal-China relations have always remained friendly and cordial. The historic and multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two countries have evolved since centuries ago. The two countries have been marked by friendliness, understanding, mutual support, cooperation and respect for each other’s sensitivities. China has helped develop infrastructure and decrease import dependence. China has helped in the construction of highways and roads in Nepal. Nepal and China agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, cultural exchanges, tourism and so forth. Both countries benefited since then with the signing of the Sino-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed. Bringing opportunities for both especially Nepal will have a better economic growth. They are working together to preserve Buddhism in the holy sites of Bodhgaya in India and Lumbini in Nepal. This will being innumerable benefits for the continent and the world.
Thank you Rinpoche and Seow Choong Liang for this sharing.

Wai Meng Wan on Dec 15, 2018 at 4:01 am

It does seem, that Nepal feels it is quite frustrating to deal with its long time neighbour India. Hence Nepal has cultivated a new powerful friend, China. China has proved their sincerity by coming to the aid of the Nepalis during their 2015 earthquakes, while india kind of more or less stoodbv why aid poured into nepal from around the world and China. China offered a lot of assistance to the Nepalis.

Joy Kam on Jul 26, 2018 at 5:55 am

Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s

Lin Mun on Apr 12, 2018 at 7:50 pm

It is great news that China, the world largest economy is working closely with Nepal and forging a close economic relationship. With this collaboration, Nepal will see a lot of development and growth potential. Moving forward, Nepal can reduce their dependency on India.

As for spiritual term, China’s investment of USD 1 to 3 billion is a rejoicing move. With the plans to build new airport, railway links, a seminary-cum-monastery and allocation of land to senior Buddhist leaders of various traditions, it will preserve and strengthen the Buddhism lineage.Hope to see more new developments for Nepal soon.

so kin hoe (KISG) on Mar 21, 2018 at 10:56 pm

Nepal is rich in Buddhism practice with many holy sites located especially at Lumbini, where Buddha Shakyamuni was born 2600 years ago. With the China economic involvement in Nepal, many aspects including domestic infrastructure, communication and transportation will experience linear or exponential growth that can make Nepal to be more accessible to the world. In conjunction with the potential development in Nepal, eventually the holy sites in Kathmandu, Lumbini and other parts of Nepal will attract more pilgrims and tourists to pay homage to the Three Jewels and most importantly, these holy sites can be preserved for our future generations to reap the blessings. Further, the growth of economy in Nepal through China’s economic influence can encourage many Nepali to stay in their homeland with many local job opportunities made available.

May the presence of Buddhism practice and holy sites in Nepal will be further strengthened and preserved for the benefits of many sentient beings. Thank you Rinpoche and Choong for posting on this inspiring news about the rising ties between China and Nepal.

Thank you with folded hands,
kin hoe

Pastor Lim Han Nee on Mar 19, 2018 at 5:05 pm

With Nepal and China, forging closer ties, with unprecedented economic development for Nepal and the opening up of Lumbini into a powerful spiritual hub for pilgrims and spiritual seekers , all looks set for both countries to reap great benefits both in the long and short term.

In a most radical and unprecedented move, China’s proposed extension of the railway from Qinghai-Lhasa to Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal, will provide a much needed alternative route that will open up the landlocked Nepal to increased trade and business with its neighbours and with the outside world. What possibilities for rapid economic development now awaits Nepal! At the same time, with the expansion and upgrading of Nepal’s telecommunications network by China’s Telco Giant, Huawei, Nepal is all set to grow astronomically in its economy!

However, the most amazing development of all is what is going to take place in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. China is working to develop this spiritual hub into a world class pilgrimage and spiritual epicenter. With this, a powerful anchor for Buddhism and for the advancement of spirituality in China will ensue. Nepal too will receive a great boost in its cultural and spiritual development.

For China, as well as Nepal, all the planned development will lead to greater security and peace . Furthermore, imagine how spirituality will be advanced through the development of Lumbini!

Thank you for this most interesting article.

Stella Cheang on Mar 19, 2018 at 10:50 am

The friendly ties between China and Nepal today is excellent news for the people of Nepal as well as spiritual aspirants in general. With the strong economical backing from China, Nepal will be able to develop and preserve many historical and cultural sites, which include the birth place of Buddha, Lumbini, as well as many other holy sites. With better preservation and cultivation, more pilgrims will be able to pay homage at the sacred sites and make a strong connection with Buddha and gain the blessing. This is truly good news for all! Rejoice. Thank you for sharing.

KarenC on Mar 19, 2018 at 4:45 am

The connection between these 2 old civilisations started far back during King Songtsen Gampo married to Nepali princess Bhrikuti and Chinese princess Wen Cheng. These 2 wives played crucial roles in the adoption of Buddhism in Tibet and the cultural exchange among Tibetans, Nepali and Chinese. Nepal is a spiritual country, the influx of Tibetan monks from India and China has made Tibetan Buddhism flourished in Nepal. It’s definitely rejoicing to know China is pouring money into the advancement of Nepal
and hopefully the neighbouring countries will also be benefitted. Making Nepal stronger in economy and infrastructure definitely is vital as Nepal is a liberal, spiritual and beautiful country with rich culture, a place worth a visit to explore and learn.

Datuk May on Mar 18, 2018 at 5:57 pm

The vision of President Xi Jinping for China both commercially and spiritually is wide and enormous in all aspects. In embracing Nepal, not only will China help in the economical growth of Nepal, which benefits Nepal, this action will benefit Chinese on the pillar of spirituality. Amazing vision.

At the same time politically, China and India are getting to realise their role in Asia being the two largest populated nations and being able to compliment each other will benefit both and the rest of the regions with Nepal as an example.

This is extremely great development to the advancement of Asia to be an integrated part of the world order.

Samfoonheei on Mar 18, 2018 at 4:21 pm

The relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China are age old and deep rooted. Nepal’s pressing need for an economic boost and China’s interest has proven the ability in aiding Nepal. China influence over Nepal in recent years is just increasing recently with Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, been elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal . China and Nepal have been stepping up efforts through economic engagement , speeding up plans to build a railway line connecting to Nepal’s border from Zhangmu and proposed extension of the Qinghai-Lhasa railway from Zhangmu to the capital and onwards to Lumbini. The economic cooperation between Nepal and China will help to improve connectivity between the two countries Wow ….China agreed to provide Rs 48 million assistance to Nepal ,for the country development and also to preserve and advancement of Buddhist and other spiritual practices in the country.
Thank you Rinpoche and Seow Choong Liang for this interesting post.