Dalai Lama’s Birthday Event: The One-China Policy Violation Has Undermined National Interest
Dragon Media Editorial
Nepal’s territory, Nepal’s sovereignty, Nepal’s foreign policy – these are our inalienable national assets. But when we formally allow activities contrary to China’s supreme national interest to take place in the heart of Kathmandu on our own soil, it constitutes the greatest betrayal of our foreign policy. The grand celebration of the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama in Kathmandu and the participation of representatives from foreign diplomatic missions is no ordinary incident; it is an open defiance of our obligations toward China.
The question jointly raised by seven former ambassadors – Rajeshwar Acharya, Mahendra Pandey, Tank Karki, Mahesh Maskey, Lilamani Poudel, Vishnupukar Shrestha, and Krishna Prasad Oli – has stirred a single concern in the hearts of the entire nation: has Nepal now changed its foreign policy toward its neighbors? This is a piercing question that the government must answer without delay.
Nepal’s long-standing One-China policy is the cornerstone of our diplomacy. Our relationship with China is built on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity. But when the District Security Committee convened a meeting on a public holiday and granted permission for the Dalai Lama’s birthday program, it struck a hammer blow to that very foundation. If this program was held with the government’s knowledge or approval, it constitutes a grave offense – equivalent to professing commitment with one’s own mouth and then stabbing in the back.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to the One-China policy during his recent visit to China. However, by allowing the Dalai Lama’s birthday to be celebrated on the streets of Kathmandu, that commitment has been rendered hollow. The participation of representatives from foreign diplomatic missions has granted international legitimacy to this event, which has deeply wounded the national sentiments of our neighbor China.
Nepal’s geopolitical situation is complex. Our nation, situated between two vast neighbors, has always pursued a balanced foreign policy. But balance does not mean neglecting one neighbor; it means respecting both. Any activity that undermines our obligations toward China weakens the very foundation of our national interest, stability, and development. This is a betrayal, a treachery against our nation’s independent foreign policy.
The former ambassadors are absolutely right that such activities adversely affect the country’s stability, development, and independence. But what is even more serious is that this shatters Nepal’s credibility in the eyes of our neighbor China. China extends cooperation, investment, and support for development projects out of trust in us, and if we allow activities on our own soil that go against its national integrity, that is simply inexcusable.
The government can no longer remain silent. A concrete assurance must be given to China that such activities will not be repeated in the future. An impartial investigation into this incident must be conducted, and those responsible must face action. To profess commitment to the One-China policy with one’s own mouth, to forge friendship with China through one’s own initiative, and then to betray that very policy with the other hand is an act of national betrayal.
The time has come for us to make the direction of our foreign policy clear. The answer to whether we are China’s friend or a country that patronizes activities against its national interest must be unequivocal. We must send the message that Nepal’s territory will not be used against anyone and that we remain unwavering in our commitment to the One-China policy. This is our national interest, this is our diplomatic legitimacy, and this is our respect for our neighbor. It is time for the government to wake up and act without delay to safeguard the nation’s honor.
