KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18

Ambassador of the United States to Nepal Randy Berry has condemned violence and incitement of violence in the name of protest against the Millennium Challenge Corporation deal.

Ambassador Berry wrote on twitter: We are a strong supporter of free speech and public discourse based in fact, including on MCC.

The right to express one's views is intrinsic to democracy, and people must be allowed to peacefully share their views. Violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable.

Ambassador Berry's remarks came in the backdrop of some left leaders' threat of street agitation if MCC deal was passed.

Meanwhile China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin today said during a regular press briefing in Beijing that China opposed coercive diplomacy and actions that pursued selfish agenda at the expense of Nepal's sovereignty and interests.

Wang made the remarks when asked about a US State Department spokesperson recent remark that Nepal must decide whether it will ratify the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact between the two countries by February 28, otherwise it will have an impact on the US-Nepal bilateral relationship.

According to the transcripts of the briefing posted on Chinese Foreign Ministry website Wang said, 'We've noted relevant reports.

China is glad to see the international community conducting development cooperation with Nepal to contribute to its economic growth and livelihood improvement.

However, such cooperation should be based on full respect for the will of the Nepalese people and come with no political strings attached.

As Nepal's friendly close neighbour and development partner, China will, as always, support the Nepalese people in choosing their development path independently, support Nepal in making the right choice in keeping with its national interests and people's will, and continue to provide assistance and support for the country's socioeconomic development to the best of our capability, Wang added.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 19, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.