Kathmandu: In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), lawmakers demanded an accurate update regarding Nepal’s alleged agreement on China’s proposed ‘Global Security Initiative’ (GSI) and ‘Global Civilization Initiative’ (GCI).
According to National News Agency Nepal, the call for clarification follows Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, lawmakers insisted that both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Ministry should address the house concerning claims made by China’s foreign ministry. The statement suggested that Nepal had agreed to security strategies and military cooperation, which prompted both ruling and opposition lawmakers to seek clarity.
The lawmakers stressed the importance of asserting that the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani areas are part of Nepal’s sovereign territory. They urged the Prime Minister to clarify Nepal’s stance on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement, which claimed Nepal’s support for the GSI. Nepali Congress MP Dilendra Prasad Badu pointed out the positive aspect of raising the Lipulekh issue during the meeting between Prime Minister Oli and President Xi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. He noted the importance of Oli’s statement regarding the agreement between India and China to create a trade route in that area, which Nepal does not accept.
MP Badu further emphasized that Nepal has not been associated with any security or military strategies due to its non-aligned foreign policy. He warned of the potential risks of engaging in such strategies, stating that acceptance of GSI is objectionable for Nepal. He called for the Prime Minister to address this issue in Parliament. Additionally, Badu sought information on whether discussions occurred about Nepalis illegally recruited into the Russian military during Oli’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
CPN (UML) MP Juli Kumari Mahato (Mahaseth) remarked on Nepal’s opposition to the China-India agreement to open a trade route through Nepal’s territory, Lipulekh. She indicated that this issue was clearly highlighted during Oli’s visit to China and regarded the visit as a success both politically and diplomatically.
Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Centre) MP Lekhnath Dahal critiqued Nepal’s diplomatic performance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. He advocated for national unity in foreign affairs and cautioned against hasty decisions. Dahal stressed the need for Parliament to protest the India-China trade agreement involving Lipulekh and for the government to express disagreement through a Council of Ministers’ decision.
Similarly, Janata Samajwadi Party MP Ranju Kumari Jha addressed the ongoing scarcity of drinking water in Tarai Madhes, questioning the prolonged plight of farmers. She urged the state not to neglect farmers. Abdul Khan, an MP from the Janamat Party, highlighted issues concerning sugarcane and dairy farmers, urging the government to resolve these through dialogue in light of ongoing movements by various groups.