KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 7
In the wake of the controversial remarks made by the Chinese envoy, legislators have expressed disenchantment with Chinese Ambassador Chen Song's remarks a few days ago in relation to electricity trade between Nepal and India.
Speaking at an event in the capital on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador Song claimed that Nepal was bearing a trade deficit from electricity trade with India. Parliamentarians have expressed disenchantment with the ambassador's statement.
The parliamentary committee has also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to probe the remarks of the Chinese envoy Chen Song on the issue of Nepal-India trade.
The Parliament's International Relations and Tourism Committee meeting today summoned Foreign Minister NP Saud to extract information on this matter. Most members of the committee objected to Chen's statement and opined that he should be wary of what he speaks.
Chairman of the committee Rajkishore Yadav instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the matter and ask the ambassador to be careful not to make such remarks."Nepal is a sovereign state. It is our business what we do and what we don't," Yadav said, adding, "I instruct the MoFA to launch a probe on the Chinese ambassador's public statement."Minister NP Saud said he was not aware of what had transpired as he was out of the valley.
Meanwhile, lawmakers across political parties and committee members have reacted to the remarks. Speaking at the meeting, former PM and Chairman of CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal said ambassadors to Nepal should be vigilant regarding Nepal's geo-political sensitivities.He said everyone must be watchful and that no one's expression should exacerbate Nepal's geo-political complexities.He further said, "The envoys of all countries should internalise that Nepal is in a complex geo-political situation. This is crucial. Without being aware of the geopolitical sensitivity and without understanding the fact that Nepal is committed to non-aligned foreign policy, no one should make hurtful remarks. Let's be cautious and keep Nepal away from troublesome circumstances."
CPN-UML MP Bhim Acharya said it was not good for any country to interfere in Nepal's internal affairs. "Only after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies on the remarks of the Chinese ambassador, will UML put forth its perspective," he said. "It is not good for any side to interfere in the internal affairs of Nepal and other countries. However, after MoFA probes what the Chinese ambassador said, we will put forth our point of view," he added.
Similarly, CPN-Maoist Centre lawmaker Barshaman Pun said the tradition of third parties commenting on Nepal's internal affairs should not be allowed. He said speaking about other people's domestic affairs was inappropriate international diplomacy. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take the initiative to alert the Chinese ambassador in this matter," he said.
Janamat Party Vice-president and MP Abdul Khan said the Chinese ambassador had no right to speak about Nepal and India. He also sought an explanation from Ambassador Chen regarding his remarks.Speaking at zero hour of the HoR meeting today, he said, "Attempts are being made to create enmity between long-standing friendly countries Nepal and India.
The remarks of the Chinese envoy are grossly reprehensible."He further said, "If Nepal is an independent country, then I robustly demand that Ministry of Foreign Affairs seek clarification immediately from the Chinese ambassador."
Chinese Ambassador Chen Song had made a negative comment on the trade relationship between India and Nepal while addressing a discussion titled 'China in the global economy and its impact on Nepal' organised by the Foundation for Trans-Himalayan Research and Studies and Friends of Silk Road Club Nepal. On the occasion, Ambassador Chen recognised India's vast market potential but advised Nepal to navigate its relationship with India cautiously, given certain policy constraints.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 08, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
