Nepal Urges China to Respect ‘2020 Map’ as Kathmandu Mayor Cancels China Visit
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal, who is scheduled to visit China later this month, has not yet commented on the new map released by China. Before Nepal, India had also lodged a protest against China’s new map.
India Objects to China’s New Map, Nepal Follows Suit with Cautious Displeasure
After India’s objection to its new map released by China, Nepal has also cautiously expressed its displeasure in this matter. According to the report, the map does not show those areas of the Indian border which Kathmandu had claimed in its maps.
China’s 2023 Map Release Sparks Concerns in Nepal and India
Incidentally, on August 28, China released the 2023 version of its map, showing Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin within its limits. After the opposition leaders raised the issue, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had said that it has lodged a ‘ strong protest ‘ with China.
Nepal Perturbed by China’s Map Omission of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura
China’s new map has also drawn the attention of Kathmandu as it does not include the areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, which Nepal had shown in its official map in May 2020. After Nepal released the said map, India had termed it ‘ inappropriate ‘. However, till date this has not been discussed bilaterally.
Kathmandu Mayor Cancels China Visit Amid Growing Tensions Over Maps
Now a strong reaction has been seen in Nepal on the recent map of China and the Mayor of Kathmandu Balen Shah has canceled his visit to China. Nepali Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sewa Lamsal issued a carefully worded statement that did not directly condemn Beijing.
Nepal Reiterates Commitment to Its 2020 Map, Calls for Respect from Neighbors
The spokesperson said on Friday (September 1), ‘Nepal is firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the Parliament of Nepal in the year 2020. The Government of Nepal clearly believes that this map should be respected by our neighbors as well as the international community. Nepal is committed to resolving border issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
China’s Non-Recognition of Nepalese Territory Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
*It is not surprising that Beijing does not recognize those areas as Nepalese territory, as Lipulekh has long been an officially recognized trading hub between India and China. So far, there has been no personal statement from Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is scheduled to visit China this month to lead an Asian Games delegation.*
International Objections Mount Against China’s New Map Over South China Sea Claims
Apart from India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have also objected to the new Chinese map on the basis of their claims on the South China Sea.