The controversial visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao which was shelved few weeks back is taking even more dramatic tryst. Unconfirmed sources in the government leaked the news to the media late on Friday that Wen will land in Kathmandu on Saturday at around 11 in the morning and after meeting his Nepali counterpart for few hours, will proceed onto his visit to the Middle East.
The speculations had already begun on Thursday after Chinese Ambassador made an unscheduled visit to Baluwatar on Thursday and reports about police detaining over a hundred Tibetans entering Kathmandu on Friday.
There is no doubt the ambushed visit is a face saving exercise for both, the Chinese and more importantly for the Baburam government. But in doing so the Chinese have once again exposed their anxiety over what they regard as growing Free Tibet activities in Nepal. If the visit itself has been unannounced, the Chinese couldn’t have timed it better, using the opportunity when most of the Tibetans here have gone to Bodhgaya for Tibetan Buddhist Kaalachakra initiation given by the Dalai Lama.
The police have beefed up security in ‘sensitive’ areas and are making late night preparations for tomorrow’s visit. Although there are many issues regarding bilateral cooperation on the agenda which the Nepal government may be eager to discuss, the Chinese will be more interested in discussing ways to control ‘anti-Chinese’ activities in Nepal. In such situation, there is little hope that the Chinese premier’s visit will yield us as much as it promised.
Anurag Acharya
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It is despicable to see the current state of Nepal’s political situation. With the growing powers of North and South, Nepal has never been in worst shape than before in every political and economic sense. The political uncertainty of Nepal due to ever lasting push and pull between the NC & Maoists with growing poverty, unemployment, unlawfulness, rampant corruption, and overpopulation only makes it worst for ordinary citizens of the country. Hence, the leaders are destined to dance on the beats of Beijing or New Delhi, but either way Nepalese are going to suffer and lose their dignity, identity and culture. Won may have visited Bhattarai to give lollypop after few scolds and spanks. However, the fact of the matter is as long as Nepal has spineless cowards as our leaders we have no choice but to dance on the beat of Beijing or New Delhi. United Nepal and a leader with guts with incorruptible mind could only save Nepal.