The Charhar Institute is the leading think-tank among the non-government organizations in China. Professor Cheng Xizhong, a senior research fellow at the Institute, visited Nepal recently, leading half a dozen researchers.
Professor Cheng is not a new name among the top political leaders of Nepal. Despite having a different role, currently, Cheng served as Defense Attaché at the Embassy of China in Kathmandu from 2008 to 2015.
Prior to this, the senior colonel had served as a military diplomat at the Embassies of China in New Delhi (India), Islamabad (Pakistan), and Dhaka (Bangladesh). The Charhar Institute sent Professor Cheng to the Himalayan country at a time when Nepal and China are enjoying cordial and friendly relations.
During his Nepal visit, Cheng held meetings with Former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Madhav Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and former foreign ministers Sujata Koirala, Pradeep Gyawali, and had interactions with some academic institutes among others.
Nepalkhabar had a conversation with Professor Cheng during his recent Nepal visit. Excerpts:
What is the main objective of your Nepal visit?
The Charhar Institute is the leading think-tank in China working in the sector of public diplomacy. We have arrived in Nepal to further promote the people-to-people relations between the two countries. There are three types of relations between Nepal and China. First, the government-to-government relation. Second, the party-to-party relations. Third, the people-to-people -relations. Nepal and China have good relations at all these levels.
China has had a cordial relation with CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress, so has the relation with the regional and fringe parties. The Charhar Institute is not only a think tank but also a ‘think and act tank.’ We do not only think but also act. This Institute plays an instrumental role in mending bilateral ties when relations with any country deteriorate. However, the relationship between China and Nepal is normal and harmonious, currently.
How is China’s relationship with Nepali Congress?
When the multi-party democratic political set-up was established in Nepal, our relation was with CPN (UML) at the beginning. We had no relation with CPN (Maoist Center). When then CPN (Maoist) (now Maoist Center) joined the parliament following the 2006 uprising, the relation between China and Maoist Center started.
In this context, I would like to share my experience gained during my tenure as Defense Attaché in Nepal. We used to communicate with UML leaders effortlessly then. The English language was not a barrier during the conversation. However, I used to talk only with those Maoist leaders, with whom I could communicate without language barriers.
As far as the relationship with Nepali Congress is concerned, when I first came to Nepal, some of my friends said to me, “Nepali Congress is not a patriotic party.’ Only a few friends loyal to Nepali Congress were in contact with me then.
As time passed by, my relationship with Nepali Congress gradually began to develop. Then I came to know that Congress was in favor of a strong and harmonious relationship with China. Gradually, I started talking to Congress leaders including Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ramchandra Paudel, and Sujata Koirala. Following the conversations and meetings with Congress leaders, I understood that it was a patriotic and nationalist party. The rumor that the “Congress was not the nationalist party” turned out to be false.
Those who called Congress “anti-nationalist” used to describe Congress as “pro-Indian and pro-American”. Despite all this, my friendship with the leaders of Congress continued unabated. I had a conversation over dinner with them. One month after I arrived in Nepal, I concluded that the term 'pro' means "to be more practical." The more time I spent with them, the clearer it became that they were friendly with China and eager to foster a robust bilateral relationship with China.
How do you interpret 'pro' as 'to be practical'?
Nepal lacks domestic petroleum resources and relies solely on imports from India to meet its demand for fuel and other essential goods. While the northern border with China is dominated by high mountains, the southern border with India is flat and open. I emphasize that Nepal, a landlocked country, should always maintain a good relationship with India. This is precisely what China has been advocating for a long time. The relationship with India is undeniably crucial for Nepal. This is a reality.
Nepali Congress itself seems to be reluctant to enhance its relationship with China of late, doesn't it?
In my point of view, Nepali Congress is relatively a mature party. Congress is a ruling partner of the incumbent government. With the participation of Nepali Congress, the current government is comparatively more mature and stable. It has also prioritized its relationship with China.
Nepali Congress has been reluctant to fully embrace and implement the BRI agreement with China. How do you take it?
Some leaders or some ministers may have different views on the BRI, but not as a whole. Many understandings, agreements, and treaties have been signed between Nepal and China, over the last few years, including the BRI. Nepali people want these understandings, agreements, and treaties signed between the two countries to be implemented. China is determined to proceed with the BRI project. No power can stop it. The BRI is the best platform for holistic cooperation. Nepal will also benefit from it. I am hopeful of the implementation of understandings and agreements including the BRI.
Do you only realize the importance of relations with India or does China government also realize it?
China has also been emphasizing it. A good term with India is crucial for Nepal, it is a reality. Nepal, China, and India should cooperate rising above their petty interests. Our bright future lies in the trilateral cooperation. Since Nepal is located between China and India, it can play the role of a mediator, not only in the field of politics but also in the field of geography and economy. Good railways and highways are essential components of efficient transportation infrastructure.
Do you think that the tri-country cooperation concept can be realized in the face of India’s reluctance?
Nothing is impossible. But, it requires relentless efforts. We have been persistently working on it for the past few years to realize it.
How can the tri-nation cooperation initiative move ahead when the bilateral relation between China and India is strained?
China has been trying its level best to improve the relations between China and India. We have a centuries-old relation with India. China has never formulated a strategy considering “India as its enemy.” Keeping in mind that “India is our centuries-old neighbor”, China has been formulating strategies considering India as its close friend. India is our friend, indeed.
However, India still seems to be hesitant to mend ties with China. Against this scenario, how can the relation between the two countries move ahead?
Despite geopolitical tensions and border disputes, the bilateral trade between India and China continues to flourish, with the recent year’s trade breaking the previous year’s record. The ever-growing trade relations despite geopolitical tensions indicate that the bilateral relations between the two countries are getting more natural. The surging bilateral trade shows that the economies of China and India are increasingly reliant on each other.
What do you think is the major factor impeding the better relations between the two countries?
The main reason is that India does not consider China as its friend. These weaknesses in India contributed to the strained and unfriendly relations with China.
The Charhar Institute is an important think tank in China. Why did the institute choose you to head the delegation to Nepal this time?
The Charhar Institute is the leading think tank in China. When the Charhar Institute takes a move, the others will follow. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Han Fangming, chairman of the Charhar Institute, had visited Nepal. That Nepal visit had a deep impact on him. Following the visit, he concluded that "Nepal is strategically an important country and we must establish a good relationship with it."
"While we have prioritized our relationships with major powers like Japan, South Korea, America, and Russia, it's equally important to focus on our neighboring countries," he realized. Hence, he tasked me to head this delegation to Nepal. I was selected based on the importance he gave to Nepal. We are trying to collaborate with other think tanks and research-related institutes in Nepal. Many think tanks and institutes have welcomed us. We also want to welcome them to China so that we will have regular collaborations.
Earlier, we discussed Nepali Congress, what do you say about Nepali communists?
Communists have been a dominant force in Nepali politics. They at one point in the parliament, achieved a two-thirds majority. Even though their course of journey is often marked by unity and division, they are contextual and evolving toward the democratic path. They are involved in the democratic movements. A communist in Nepal can quit and join another party of his/her choice without any restrictions.
When communists have shared beliefs, it will lead them to unification. When they have differing beliefs, it will lead them to fragmentation. It may take time but they will unite again. Nepali people also want them to be united.
Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) who hold different ideological backgrounds have formed a new political alliance. Will this alliance lay the basis for political stability as claimed by them?
Nepal has indeed experienced a history of political instability marked by frequent changes of government. Despite all this, the positive aspect is that Nepal has shown remarkable resilience in maintaining overall stability. The political and social conditions of Nepal are better compared to the other countries in South Asia. Nepal fares well in terms of political and social aspects in South Asia. It is the safest country in South Asia. That is why the citizens of many countries around the globe come to visit Nepal.
Do you see any difference between Nepali Congress and the communist parties in Nepal?
They, of course, have ideological differences in them. Nepali Congress is an old party in Nepal. Like Maoist or communist parties, Nepali Congress, though traditionally a democratic party, has a revolutionary history.
Do you see any geopolitical influence behind the UML-Congress alliance?
Some individuals presume China’s hand behind the UML-Maoist Center alliance. But I don’t think so. China does not interfere in the internal politics of any country, be it small or big, let alone the internal affairs of Nepal. We will be happy if there is unity among the communist parties of Nepal based on their policies or decisions. But, we never interfere in their internal affairs in the name of unification.
Is there possibility of unification between UML and Maoist Center again?
Chances are high. Because the leaders on both sides have a longing for unification. It may take time and patience is required. A communist leader during my Nepal visit said, “An internal party reform is a prerequisite for unification. The unification is possible following the internal reform.”
They should come up with a decision based on the interests of the people and the nation as a whole, not on the party’s interest. This applies to Nepali Congress, too. The unity within Congress can be helpful to the current government as well as the political stability. A stable government and political stability can help in the socio-economic development of the country, too.
