report in The Kathmandu Post, Sept 26, 2023
Reiterating its firm commitment to the one-China principle, Nepal has assured China that it is against ‘Taiwan independence’.
“The Nepali side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle. Recognising that the government of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, the Nepali side is against Taiwan independence,” reads a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Foreign Ministry.
“The Nepali side reiterated that Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs, that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepal’s soil.”
The statement added the two sides reiterated their commitment to respecting and accommodating each other’s concerns and core interests while acknowledging the history of mutual support in difficult times.
The Chinese side reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of forging friendship and partnership in the neighbourhood, according to the statement.
“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,” reads the statement.
The statement added that the Nepali side supports the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China, and will consider joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
Nepal and China also agreed to further promote cooperation in the field of energy, particularly the development of hydropower and cross-border transmission lines and associated substations. They also agreed to launch the construction of the Jilong/Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime 220 KV Cross-Border Power Transmission line at an early date.
Nepal and China also welcomed the successful opening of the Lizi-Nechung port and the reopening of the Zhangmu-Khasa port to passenger services.
“The two sides applaud the smooth and orderly operation of passenger and cargo services at Pulan and Jilong ports,” reads the statement.
As per the agreement, the Chinese side will extend its support to improve the facilities on the Nepali side of the Lizi-Nechung port at the earliest possible time.
China has also agreed to work for the early reopening of eligible traditional China-Nepal border trade points. The two sides agreed to maintain communication for the opening of Chentang-Kimathanka and Riwu-Olangchungola ports at an early date.
The two neighbours agreed to continue to implement the signed cooperation documents concerning transit transport and utilisation of highways in China to help turn Nepal from a land-locked country to a land-linked country.
“In light of Nepal’s needs, the Chinese side is ready to start the fourth phase of the 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,” reads the statement.
“Both sides agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Tokha-Chhare Tunnel project, recognizing 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 the 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.
Nepal and China also welcomed the consensus reached between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries on expanding the air rights arrangements and expressed satisfaction over the completion and operation of the Pokhara International Airport.
“The two sides support and encourage their airlines to resume and open more flights and air routes, including ones connecting Pokhara, in accordance with bilateral air rights arrangements and in light of market needs, so as to facilitate trade and economic interactions and people-to-people exchanges,” reads the statement.
As per the statement, the Nepali side expressed its appreciation for China’s valuable support for the economic and social development of Nepal.
“The two sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the post-earthquake reconstruction projects that had been agreed upon,” reads the statement.
The two neighbours agreed to undertake a joint inspection of the China-Nepal boundary, according to the statement.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of Prime Minister Dahal’s visit to China and agreed that the visit is of great significance to advancing the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/09/26/nepal-assures-china-it-is-against-taiwan-independence
