Despite its small size in terms of economy and geography, Nepal’s relation with its neighbors — China and India — is shaped by ancient ties. Given the way Bollywood and Indian soap operas are popular in Nepal, and thanks to some Indian cultural traits resembling that of Nepal, one could be duped to an impression that Nepal’s bond with India is much stronger. While that may be true, Nepal nonetheless has a strong foundation of bilateral relation with China. This write-up delves into the foundations that have shaped Nepal China relations.

Cultural ties

The history of Nepal-China relation is almost primordial and is held by the mythical story of Manjushree. The story goes that when this mythical figure came to the Kathmandu Valley, it was a big lake. Through his mystic sword, he cut the Chovar hill, drained off the water making it inhabitable. Whether the mythical story holds gravity but it is true that Buddhism entered China from Nepal.

Trade has been another binding ties between the two countries with ancient civilization. Tea originating from China was traded to far away countries via Nepal.

Nepal and China were also engaged in the practice of sending religious envoys to each other. As per the practice, in 306 A.D. Tsen Tsai as an envoy from China arrived in Nepal and had an audience with the king. In succession to such practice, Fahien as religious envoy came to Nepal in 406 A.D.

Huen Sang, a Chinese monk with the same status visited Nepal in 627 A.D. and was received well in the royal palace. That Nepal-China relation was smooth during the Lichhavi period is justified by the fact that king Anshuverma had arranged his daughter Bhrikuti to marry Tibetan King Shrong Chen Gampo.

(The Licchavi princess Bhrikuti Devi, known to Tibetans as  Bal-mo-bza’ Khri-btsun, Bhelsa Tritsun (‘Nepali consort’) or, simply, Khri bTsun (“Royal Lady”), is traditionally considered to have been the first wife of the earliest emperor of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo (605-650), and an incarnation of Tara. She was also known as “Besa,” and was a princess of the Licchavi kingdom of Nepal).

Similarly, on request of the Tibetan king, Lichhavi king Jaya Bhimdev sent a team of 80 builders and carpenters led by Balbahu (Araniko) to Tibet. Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan was impressed by the artistic monasteries built by the Nepali team of artists. He asked the team to visit China to build several similar monasteries. A Nepali team of artists in 1262 A.D. reached Peking of China for that purpose. In 1271 A.D., they built a structure what we now call the White Pagoda. They built several other Chaityas there.

Trading friendship

Trade has been another binding tie between the two countries with ancient civilization. Tea originating from China was traded to far way countries via Nepal. Tea commerce from the Sichuan area reached Lhasa, Tibet (then an independent country), Nepal, Burma, and India. Of course, tea also made to other Asia Pacific countries, including Japan, where tea gained its unique culture called ‘Tea Ceremony.’

Silk-road also served as the lifeline to Nepal’s relation with the northern neighbor. Nepal then prospered from its trade of commodities from salt to gold. Nepal also imported wool from Mongolia, China, and Tibet. The temples with gold-plated roofs in Kathmandu hint that there had been a huge flow of gold into Nepal from those countries.

The king impressed by the visitors’ greatness gave them a good send-off with notable gifts. Shortly after the king was assassinated by his Chief of the Army Arunashwo and unceremoniously took the gifts back, sending the visitors with dishonor.

Although it is not easy to assert the exact date of start of the relations between the two countries based on what little evidence there is, we find the relation dated more than 2000 years far back. The two countries enjoyed social, economic and religious ties.

Diplomatic relations

Besides connectivity, through trade, the two countries also boast of historic diplomatic exchanges. During the rule of king Narendra Dev (643-690 A.D) Chinese envoys Lee Payo Chhen and Wang Tse visited the palace of the king of Kannauz of India.

The king impressed by the visitors’ greatness gave them a good send-off with notable gifts. Shortly after the king was assassinated by his Chief of the Army Arunashwo and unceremoniously took the gifts back, sending the visitors with dishonor.

They thus entered Nepal and saved their lives. Once the king of China learned about the incident, he immediately approached Nepal and Tibet to set Arunashwo right. 7000 cavalries from Nepal and 1,200 soldiers from Tibet marched for help. The united troops reached Kannauz, attacked the king, held him captive, brought him to China, and later hanged him to death.

Because Nepal-China relation remained cordial all through during the Malla era (1200-1769 A.D.), Nepal was able to wield its influence over Tibet which eased the trade of salt and gold. The trade contributed to the sound economy of Nepal. This is the reason why the period is called the ‘Golden Age.’ Nepal is also called as the ‘Country of Temples’ with golden roofs, which was possible due to the Nepal–China trade lubricated by corresponding diplomatic relationship. The Shah Kings also maintained smooth relations with China.

The need of the hour

Even as the relationship between these two countries is nourished by rich historical, cultural and diplomatic reciprocity, people-to-people relation is not as vibrant. The high Himalayas and a chain of difficult terrains with round the year cold climate hinder people-to-people relation between the two countries.

All Nepalese cannot afford to travel to and from China by airplane. Diplomatic visits alone do not connect the people. Therefore, linking Nepal and China through ropeway, railway and road would prove effective in further strengthening the existing ties. China can excel people-to-people relationship by encouraging young Nepalese students to study at its universities by offering scholarships. This shall allow Nepalese youth to practically understand and feel China. As part of Nepal, it should ease the travel of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal by promoting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

As against the case of India, language stands as another impediment in people to people relationship between these neighbors. Nepal needs to consider by including the Chinese language in the school curriculum and so should China to do away with the language barrier.

Views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Khabarhub’s editorial stance.