Nepal reiterates pledge to uphold one-China policy
KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 26
Nepal and China have issued a 13-point joint statement during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to the northern neighbour pledging to take bilateral relations to a new level.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to respect and accommodate each other's concerns and core interests.
The Nepali side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle. The Nepali side is against 'Taiwan independence.' The Nepali side also reiterated that Tibet affairs are China's internal affairs, and that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepal's soil.
China firmly supports Nepal in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects and supports Nepal's independent choice of social system and development path that suits its national conditions.
The two sides, expressed their commitment to accelerate consultations to finalise the text on the BRI Implementation Plan at an early date.
They welcomed the successful opening of the Lizi-Nechung port and the reopening of the Zhangmu-Khasa port to passenger services.
The two sides applauded the smooth and orderly operation of passenger and cargo services at Pulan and Jilong ports. The Chinese side will extend its support to improve facilities on the Nepali side of the Lizi-Nechung port at the earliest.
The two sides agreed to maintain communication for the opening of Chentang-Kimathanka, Riwu-Olangchungola ports at an early date. They also agreed to continue to implement the signed cooperation documents concerning transit transport and utilisation of highways in China to help turn Nepal from a landlocked country to a landlinked country.
In the light of Nepal's needs, the Chinese side is ready to start the fourth phase of Araniko Highway maintenance project. The Chinese side is ready to start repairing the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway as soon as possible after the Nepali side completes its demolition work.
Both sides agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Tokha-Chhare Tunnel project, recognising that the project will elevate the level of connectivity between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the second phase of Kathmandu Ring Road project.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway, and planned to hold the 8th Working Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation as early as possible.
The Chinese side is ready to help Nepal train railway professionals.
The two sides will launch the construction of the Jilong/Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime 220 KV Cross-Border Power Transmission line at an early date.
The Nepali side expressed its appreciation to the Chinese side for granting zero-tariff treatment to 98 per cent of taxable products from Nepal.
The two sides agreed to undertake joint inspection of China-Nepal boundary. The two sides agreed to bring into force the Agreement on the boundary management system as soon as possible.
They also agreed to expedite the ratification of the China-Nepal Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. They agreed to declare the Year 2025 as the Nepal Visit Year in China with a view to promoting Chinese tourists in Nepal.
The Chinese side is ready to support Chinese language education in Nepal by providing more Chinese language testing services and sending Chinese language teachers and volunteers to Nepal. The two sides will continue to give play to the role of China Cultural Centre, Confucius Institutes, and Confucius Classroom in Nepal promoting China-Nepal cultural exchanges and cooperation.
The two sides support the multilateral trading system, and oppose protectionism.
They will work together to make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all, promote global and regional peace, security, development and prosperity, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Nepali side pledged to provide the Chinese a pair of one-horned rhinos as a gift from the government and people of Nepal to the government and people of China, a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 27, 2023, of The Himalayan Times
