China’s Backing for Every Government: Lessons History Teaches
Kathmandu – The fact that China has consistently extended support and assistance to Nepal regardless of the political system or government in power is confirmed by historical events. According to an analysis recently published by Madan Regmi, Chairperson of the China Study Centre, China’s policy has always been to support the incumbent government — a stance evident continuously from 1958 to the present day.
The analysis states, “In 1958, China supported the elected government of B.P. Koirala. After King Mahendra removed B.P.’s government and seized power, China then supported King Mahendra as well. Both enjoyed good relations with China.”
After the Panchayat system fell, China embraced the multi-party system with equal ease. From King Gyanendra’s rule through to the republican era, China made no distinction. The message is clear — China extends its assistance to the Nepali people and the nation, not to any particular government or system.
A King Opened Kodari, Girija Opened Rasuwagadhi
Physical infrastructure has also cemented ties with China. King Mahendra connected Nepal to China by building the Kodari Highway. Later, during Girija Prasad Koirala’s tenure, the Rasuwagadhi border point was opened. These two crossings remain the principal gateways for Nepal-China relations to this day.
Yet history also records instances where Nepal-China ties cooled due to foreign interference. During King Mahendra’s own reign, a Khampa rebellion flared up with support from the United States and India. Thousands of Khampas gathered in Mustang and crossed into Tibet to carry out terrorist activities against China. History records that the United States even dropped weapons by aircraft and provided training.
King Birendra’s Disarmament Operation
Later, King Birendra deployed the Royal Nepal Army to disarm the Khampa rebels. Those who surrendered were brought to Pokhara and placed in camps. Khampa leader Gewangdi, who attempted to flee to India without surrendering his weapons, was killed in a military operation. At the time, although China was not the superpower it is today, there was widespread talk that Chinese troops could enter Mustang had the disarmament been delayed any further.
There are several historical instances where China, perceiving a threat to its own security, has intervened beyond its borders. When Nepal attacked Bhot, China sided with Bhot and fought the Nepali Army, which ultimately led to the China-Nepal peace treaty signed at Betrawati. The Korean War, the Chinese attack on Vietnam, and the border war with India all sent the message that China will not shy away from military action when it perceives a threat to its security.
Vigilance in Today’s Context
Against this historical backdrop, Regmi has voiced an important concern — any activity carried out from Nepali soil against China could prove detrimental to Nepal itself. “For this reason, the activities of Tibetans in Pokhara and certain other places appear suspicious. It is essential to keep them under complete control and surveillance,” he has written. It is worth recalling that, at the time, the armed Khampa rebels enjoyed support not only from the CIA but also from the Dalai Lama and India.
Regmi’s analysis sends a message that Nepal must take the lessons of history seriously as it strives to keep its relationship with China balanced and strategic. The conclusion it draws is that only a foreign policy free of external interference and grounded in independence can make Nepal-China relations durable and trustworthy.
