Nepal reiterates one-China policy amid Dalai Lama birthday row

Nepal's government on Friday reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy, addressing concerns raised by former officials and lawmakers regarding the recent celebration of the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday in the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, speaking at a press briefing, affirmed Nepal's "longstanding policy" remained unchanged. "Nepal is committed to the one-China policy," he stated. "Nepal remains steadfast in its established policy of not allowing its territory to be used against the interests of any neighbouring country or any friendly nation."

The remarks followed criticism from former foreign ministers and Nepal’s former ambassador to China, who questioned whether allowing the July 6 celebration at Namgyal Residential Lower Secondary School signaled a deviation from the policy. Lawmakers from the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party also voiced concerns in Parliament, demanding government clarification.

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Nepal is committed to the one-China policy.

Beyond the diplomatic statement, the ministry highlighted its efforts in economic diplomacy, having completed country-specific strategies for 20 nations, including India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The ministry is also revising its Economic Diplomacy Programme Guidelines and plans to designate focal persons at diplomatic missions abroad to enhance these initiatives.

In consular affairs, the ministry reported rescuing and repatriating 836 Nepali citizens from online scam operations in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand between July 2023 and July 2024. Cambodia has waived visa overstay fees and penalties for stranded Nepalis following repeated requests from the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok, which is concurrently accredited to Cambodia. The ministry urged families to encourage those still in Cambodia to return home.

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Nepal remains steadfast in its established policy of not allowing its territory to be used against the interests of any neighbouring country or any friendly nation.