KATHMANDU: Members of Parliament (MPs) in Nepal have expressed their discontent with a recent statement made by the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song.
During a session of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, held on Thursday, several lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal, Bhim Acharya, Barsha Man Pun, Mahantha Thakur, Dhawal Shumsher Rana, Shishir Khanal, Prem Suwal, and Prabhu Sah, raised objections to the remarks made by Ambassador Chen Song.
Ambassador Chen had commented during a program in Kathmandu a few days earlier, suggesting that Nepal was incurring losses from its electricity exports to India.
The lawmakers firmly objected to the statement, asserting that China should not involve itself in Nepal’s relations with other nations.
Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman of CPN-Unified Socialist and former Prime Minister of Nepal, emphasized the need for foreign diplomats to consider Nepal’s geopolitical sensitivity when expressing their opinions.
He stated, “Foreign ambassadors should understand that Nepal’s geopolitical situation is highly delicate. No one’s statements should further endanger this Himalayan nation. Nepal consistently adheres to its non-alignment foreign policy.”
Bhim Acharya, a CPN-UML lawmaker, contended that foreign countries should not interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs.
Barsha Man Pun, former Minister and lawmaker representing CPN-Maoist Center, asserted that third-party interference in internal matters is not acceptable and goes against diplomatic norms and values.
He stated, “Regardless of their country of origin, ambassadors should refrain from meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs. Nepal is capable of resolving its own issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take the initiative to educate the Chinese ambassador on this matter.”
Mahantha Thakur, Chairman of the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, labeled the Chinese Ambassador’s statement as objectionable, emphasizing that third parties should not interfere in the bilateral matters of two countries.
Dhawal Shamsher Rana, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, called upon the government to summon the Chinese ambassador and address the concerns raised by his statement.
Similarly, Shishir Khanal, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, cautioned that Nepal could face geopolitical complexities if ambassadors comment on the country’s relationships with other nations.
He urged the Foreign Ministry to inform the Chinese envoy of the potential consequences of such statements through diplomatic channels.
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