CHINESE HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION ARRVING TO ASSESS NEPAL SITUATION

Kathmandu: Nepal’s threat loaded political transition appears to have jolted the northern neighbor China as well of late. It is understandable that any political upheaval in Nepal’s Terai or mountains would have a “direct” impact upon the security situation of adjoining Nepal-China borders. And thus any interest taken by China in the unfolding turbulent political situation in this country can’t be taken otherwise. This is so also because India-the real trouble maker-has been taking more than the desired and the required interests in the political situation in this country and thus China’s –better late than never-exhibition of her legitimate interests in Nepali affairs is not only genuine but warranted as well.

In the recent weeks and months, it is becoming visibly clear that China will not leave this “beleaguered” country to the mercy of foreign forces more so that of India. Of late the Chinese high authorities have begun taking “proper” and the needed interest in the political developments unfolding in this country much to the chagrin of those who conclude that Nepal must remain under their periphery and thus abide by the dictates passed on to Nepal and its Indo-pendent leaders.

No wonder then China is sending a high level delegation to Nepal led by Dr. Wang Jiarui, who is the 17th CPC Central Committee, Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee of China to assess the political situation here. Dr. Jirui is considered to be a high level authority in the Chinese political hierarchy and thus his trip to Kathmandu would “mean” much to Nepal, analysts say. The Chinese dignitary is expected to be in Nepal at the invitation of Nepal’s foreign ministry by the end of this month. Unsubstantiated reports have it that Dr. Wang is coming Nepal on 30th November.

Reports say that Dr. Wang has already left the Chinese Capital and is currently in the Republic of Korea. Upon completion of this visit, he is expected to head for Nepal for a four day long sojourn here. The Chinese delegation led by Dr. Wang is supposed to meet Nepal’s Prime Minister and various leaders of Nepal’s political parties. Dr. Wang’s visit is coincided with one Maoists top-hats’ declaration recently that the Maoists party will “soon” have formal ties with the Communist party of China. Ram Bahadur Thapa alias Badal talking to a weekly recently declared that his party will soon have “formal” ties with the Communist party of China. To recall, the Chinese envoy in Nepal, Zheng Xiangling, also had some time back said that his country was about to establish formal links with the Maoists party of Nepal. Dr. Wang’s visit is loaded with meaning given the envoy’s admission that his country’s party will have “relations” with the Maoists.

Such“heart rendering” news might not be taken in good taste by the Indian side which concludes that the Nepali Maoists must abide by their dictates. The Chinese delegation upon the completion of his brief Nepal sojourn is all set to make an official trip to India wherein he is supposed to meet Sonia Gandhi and other influential leaders of there. Unconfirmed reports say that Dr. Wang is raising the issue of Nepal’s Terai crisis with the Indian leaders. High placed sources say that Dr. Wang in New Delhi may remind the Indian establishment of what the then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of China, Marshal Chen Yi, had talked of Nepal. To recall, Marshal Chen Yi had told that any attack on Nepal would be construed as an attack on mainland China itself. The Chinese envoy in Kathmandu too talked in the recent months that Marshal Chen Yi’s views were still valid. This adds to the significance of Dr. Wang’s visit to India and his possible talks about Nepal hinting India not to “harass” the northern neighbor-Nepal.

Source: Telegraph Nepal, November 25, 2007