Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has urged a transformation in the Nepal-China relationship, advocating for a shift from traditional border management to a focus on ecological collaboration, climate security, and technological partnership. Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu themed “Nepal-China relations—expanded dimension of collaborations” during the third Kasthamandap Dialogue, Khanal underlined the importance of a more comprehensive approach to their relationship.

He highlighted recent calamities as indicative of the necessity for this broader engagement, particularly referencing the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River. Khanal pointed out that the border between Nepal and China represents more than just a political line; it signifies a shared ecological future that both nations must safeguard together.

Moreover, he stressed that cooperation should pivot towards addressing climate risks, enhancing disaster preparedness, and improving cross-border infrastructure. The floods that devastated numerous areas showcased the urgent need for collaborative efforts in these domains to mitigate future disasters.

Alarming Impact of Recent Floods

The minister described the event on August 26 as akin to a “Himalayan tsunami,” which resulted from flash floods caused by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster inflicted severe damage, with approximately 1,400 individuals reportedly dead and over 5,000 still unaccounted for.

The floodwaters from the Bhotekoshi River wreaked havoc, destroying homes, infrastructure, and hydropower projects. Khanal expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance during the rescue efforts, highlighting the provision of technical cooperation and critical hydrology data. This support was vital in navigating the aftermath of such a catastrophic event.

Stressing the shared geographical context, he remarked that the Himalayas should not serve as mere obstacles but should be regarded as a mutual ecological asset that both nations can preserve and enhance collaboratively. This shared vision necessitates prioritising ecological upliftment and climate security as foundational elements of Nepal-China cooperation.

Strategic Initiatives for Future Collab

During his address, Khanal proposed several initiatives to bolster bilateral cooperation aimed at mitigating the impacts of cross-border disasters. He advocated for the exchange of real-time satellite data alongside the establishment of advanced weather forecasting and early warning systems to effectively manage phenomena such as glacial lake outburst floods and landslides.

Reiterating Nepal’s commitment to a one-China policy, the minister asserted that the nation would not permit its territory to be utilised against neighbouring countries. He praised China’s respect for Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, further stating that the strategic partnership established in 2019 reflects deep mutual respect and collaboration between both countries.

Khanal articulated that Nepal’s foreign policy is governed by the “middle path” doctrine, aiming to position the country as a confident bridge between the two economic powerhouses, China and India. He noted that the government prioritises good governance and social justice and is pursuing structural reforms for enhancing overall prosperity.

To realise the potential of trans-Himalayan connectivity, the minister called for substantial infrastructural reform and disaster resilience measures. This includes modernising customs infrastructure in border regions and developing high Himalayan ports designed for year-round business, alongside constructing resilient roads and bridges to withstand environmental challenges.

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