Nepal is bracing for a significant shift in its diplomatic landscape as both China and the United States recall their top envoys ahead of the country’s pivotal parliamentary elections on March 5.
Chinese Ambassador Chen Song is scheduled to depart for Beijing this Wednesday following his recall and subsequent promotion to Director General. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reportedly recalled nearly 30 career diplomats globally, including US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R Thompson, to align foreign missions with "America First" priorities.
Transition amid political flux
The departure of these high-profile diplomats comes at a sensitive time for Nepal, which is currently navigating a dramatic political transition.
Ambassador Chen, who arrived in January 2023, has already held a farewell meeting with Prime Minister Sushila Karki. While a successor has been identified, Beijing has yet to make a formal announcement.
Ambassador Thompson, a veteran diplomat with 28 years of experience, was appointed by the Biden administration in 2022. While the State Department has reportedly informed chiefs of mission that their tenures will end in January, the US has yet to officially communicate the transition to the Nepali government.
A "lifelong friend"
During a farewell ceremony at the Chinese Embassy on Sunday, Ambassador Chen reflected on his tenure, describing the China-Nepal relationship as unique.
"Three years later, I can proudly say that I have become a lifelong friend of the Nepali and Chinese people," Chen stated, pledging to support Nepal’s development in his future roles.
As Kathmandu prepares for the March polls, the international community is closely watching how the arrival of new representatives from the world's two largest economies will influence regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
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