China promises more aid to Nepal, assured check on Tibetans

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(TibetanReview.net, Aug18, 2011) With Tibet high on agenda and reportedly invited by Nepal’s government, a delegation of 60 Chinese leaders led by Politburo Standing Committee member Mr Zhou Yongkang landed on Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on Aug 16. At least five ministers, security experts and top officials assigned to look after Tibet affairs, as well as economic and culture issues were in the delegation, reported thehimalayantimes.com Aug 16.

The report cited “sources” as saying Zhou, China’s top internal security official, had spoken of Beijing according high-importance to its relations with Nepal as “China’s security and stability also depends upon stability in Nepal.” He was said to have made the comment in separate meetings with Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and UCPN-Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal at Soaltee Hotel Aug 16 afternoon.

Both were reported to have assured Zhou that Nepal would not allow its land to be used against Chinese interests, reiterating the country’ one China policy.

The report cited Zhou as saying his government would provide RMB 150 million (1.6 billion rupees) development grant to Nepal and assured increased assistance in the days to come.

And during meeting with Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav, Zhou was quoted by telegraphnepal.com Aug 17 as having said, “China will always stand along with Nepal for peace, prosperity, stability and development. We are ready to support as per your demand.”

Nothing much else was reported on the contents of the discussions between the two sides. But high on Zhou’s agenda, reported thehindu.com (India) Aug 17, citing analysts, was boosting security cooperation along the Nepal-Tibet border and ensuring that the Nepali government continues to clamp down on anti-China activities of Tibetans within its borders.

The report noted that Mr Zhou had said in a statement ahead of his arrival in Kathmandu that his visit was aimed at boosting inter-party relations, as well as addressing “mutual concerns”.

The thehimalayantimes.com report said the delegation was to meet President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, caretaker Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal (who had resigned as Prime Minister on Aug 14), senior leaders of CPN-UML, and outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, among others, before wrapping up its visit on Aug 18.

The report described it as the highest-level Chinese official delegation to visit Nepal since Dec 2003.

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