Kathmandu:
The Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a high-level seminar on the book discussion titled Seventy Years of Nepal–China Relations. The seminar featured an esteemed panel of speakers including former Nepali ambassadors to China Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey and Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Prof. Zhang Jiadong from Fudan University, and Bibek Dhoj Thapa from NIICE.
Amb. Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey explained the book by selecting key issues and expressed hope that China better understands Nepal’s situation and sensitivities. He stated, “I appreciate the book’s balanced outlook on the Global Security Initiative (GSI).” Maskey further stressed that think tanks must evaluate issues such as interest rates on foreign debt and repayment capacity before committing to major projects. Highlighting future opportunities, he also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence within special economic or cross-border economic zones as a critical foundation for Nepal’s economic growth.
Amb. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha commented that the book provides important and timely insights into Nepal–China relations and expressed optimism that it will open new avenues for dialogue and future collaboration. He highlighted key areas of cooperation such as hydropower and infrastructure development, including airports and road connectivity. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges such as trade imbalances, structural barriers, and Nepal’s sensitive geopolitical position. He proposed solutions including the expansion of the Himalayan railway, enhanced digital connectivity, cross-border infrastructure, sustainable development, and inclusive cooperation.
Prof. Zhang Jiadong emphasized that Nepal–China relations reflect the enduring legacy of two great civilizations with historically close and evolving ties. He stated that, the significant transformations taking place in Nepal represent the potential of youth engagement, energy, and leadership, which are key drivers of future opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of cross-cultural identity and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underscoring the relevance of international connectivity and people-to-people interactions between China and Nepal.On the question of how China views Nepal’s new government following the Gen Z movement, he recalled President Xi Jinping’s belief that the youth should play a leading role in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that Nepal–China relations are not defined solely by political dynamics, but are rooted in a unique and enduring people-to-people connection.
Bibek Dhoj Thapa, one of the co-editors of the book and Program Coordinator and Research Associate at NIICE, said that they wanted to bring something fresh and new to Nepal–China literature. Beyond socio-economic and cultural aspects, the book also covers trans-Himalayan connectivity, media cooperation, military dimensions, technological developments such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, and soft power engagement not only through Buddhism but also through MICE engagement, among others.
The Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a high-level seminar on the book discussion titled Seventy Years of Nepal–China Relations. The seminar featured an esteemed panel of speakers including former Nepali ambassadors to China Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey and Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Prof. Zhang Jiadong from Fudan University, and Bibek Dhoj Thapa from NIICE.
Amb. Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey explained the book by selecting key issues and expressed hope that China better understands Nepal’s situation and sensitivities. He stated, “I appreciate the book’s balanced outlook on the Global Security Initiative (GSI).” Maskey further stressed that think tanks must evaluate issues such as interest rates on foreign debt and repayment capacity before committing to major projects. Highlighting future opportunities, he also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence within special economic or cross-border economic zones as a critical foundation for Nepal’s economic growth.
Amb. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha commented that the book provides important and timely insights into Nepal–China relations and expressed optimism that it will open new avenues for dialogue and future collaboration. He highlighted key areas of cooperation such as hydropower and infrastructure development, including airports and road connectivity. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges such as trade imbalances, structural barriers, and Nepal’s sensitive geopolitical position. He proposed solutions including the expansion of the Himalayan railway, enhanced digital connectivity, cross-border infrastructure, sustainable development, and inclusive cooperation.
Prof. Zhang Jiadong emphasized that Nepal–China relations reflect the enduring legacy of two great civilizations with historically close and evolving ties. He stated that, the significant transformations taking place in Nepal represent the potential of youth engagement, energy, and leadership, which are key drivers of future opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of cross-cultural identity and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underscoring the relevance of international connectivity and people-to-people interactions between China and Nepal.On the question of how China views Nepal’s new government following the Gen Z movement, he recalled President Xi Jinping’s belief that the youth should play a leading role in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that Nepal–China relations are not defined solely by political dynamics, but are rooted in a unique and enduring people-to-people connection.
Bibek Dhoj Thapa, one of the co-editors of the book and Program Coordinator and Research Associate at NIICE, said that they wanted to bring something fresh and new to Nepal–China literature. Beyond socio-economic and cultural aspects, the book also covers trans-Himalayan connectivity, media cooperation, military dimensions, technological developments such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, and soft power engagement not only through Buddhism but also through MICE engagement, among others.
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