KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who visited China last Saturday, returned to Kathmandu with a 15-member delegation.
Currently on a political hiatus after completing two terms as President, she appears eager to return to active politics within the CPN-UML.
Aligned with this intent, Bhandari has visited Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, engaging with UML leaders and cadres.
For her political comeback to carry weight, either UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli would need to step aside, or she would have to challenge him in the party’s 11th General Convention.
A former Vice Chair of the UML during the 9th General Convention, Bhandari is said to be preparing for her return to active party politics, along with her close allies, though she has yet to announce this publicly.
Her path may have been eased somewhat by the recent appointment of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun as Vice Chair of the Maoist Centre, signaling potential realignments on the left.
In this context, Bhandari’s 10-day visit to China takes on political significance. She reportedly returned with a clear message: Nepal’s communist parties should unite, and that she should play a leading role in that unification process.
Among the members of her delegation was UML Politburo member Karna Bahadur Thapa, a close ally of Bhandari within the party and a vocal critic of KP Sharma Oli’s leadership.
Speaking after his return, Thapa, also a Standing Committee member of the CPN-UML, said China had conveyed a message urging Nepal’s left parties to unite in the interest of political stability.
Below is an edited excerpt from a conversation with Karna Bahadur Thapa following his return from China:
You were part of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s visiting delegation to China. What message did you bring back?
The primary concern of Chinese leaders is political stability in Nepal. Their message is clear: if Nepal is politically stable, the assistance provided by China can be more effectively utilized.
They believe that political parties must work together to safeguard the current system and meet the people’s aspirations. That’s the foundation for long-term stability.
What exactly does China want from Nepal?
China is not interested in dictatorship or autocracy. There have been rumors that China supports the return of a monarchy with permanent powers, but those are completely baseless.
Such claims are 100 percent false. China firmly believes in democracy and wants Nepal’s political parties to unite, strengthen democratic institutions, and work together to fulfill public aspirations.
Did you specifically discuss left unity with Chinese officials?
Yes. China’s belief is that political stability depends on strong parties. As communists themselves, it’s only natural that they would encourage unity among Nepal’s leftist forces.
They see the unification of the left as a way to build a strong and effective communist force in Nepal, which in turn contributes to greater political stability.
What does China expect from its neighbor, Nepal?
As China prepares to assert itself as a major global power, it prefers cooperation over conflict. China wants political harmony in its neighborhood, particularly in Asia.
Its strategy is to grow through economic development, not confrontation. That’s why it hosted a regional conference, inviting neighbors across Asia to promote mutual cooperation and shared growth.
Did China convey any direct message to a specific leader in Nepal?
No, China did not convey any message targeting a specific individual through the former President. The message was policy-based, directed at all parties collectively. They emphasized the need for unity within Nepal’s leftist movement and expressed good wishes for efforts toward that goal. It was not a personalized message.
Was the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) discussed?
Yes, BRI was a key topic. It’s China’s flagship global development strategy. They highlighted its historical roots, tracing it back to the ancient Silk Road that began in Changkan. That’s why the former President was taken there—to emphasize the historical and strategic importance of the initiative.
China wants to revitalize the Silk Road through BRI and envisions all partner countries, including Nepal, benefiting from this transcontinental network. It’s their top strategic priority.
What about Nepal’s engagement under the BRI framework?
Nepal has identified 10 projects under BRI. During this visit, China emphasized the need to implement those agreements. Former President Bhandari also addressed this at the conference.
The Chinese side expressed a strong interest in the practical implementation of past agreements, especially those signed during KP Sharma Oli’s premiership.
Was there any discussion about the current coalition between the Nepali Congress and UML?
China is not concerned with the internal political dynamics of coalition-building. They don’t meddle in which party aligns with whom. Their position is clear: they want a strong, stable government that includes all major political forces. Their focus is on the broader goal of political stability, not on specific alliances or rivalries.
So, does China’s priority remain political stability in Nepal?
Absolutely. As mentioned earlier, China is less interested in party politics and more invested in regional stability. Their focus is on ensuring peace and cooperation in countries with which they share a border.
Political stability in Nepal is crucial to that vision. There was no mention from either side of party-based preferences during the visit.
Does China want to see Nepal’s communists united?
Yes, they do. China wants Nepal’s communist and leftist parties to unite. But that is simply their wish. Given that China itself is governed by the Communist Party, it is natural for them to want the communists in Nepal to come together.
Would it be easier for China to work with Nepal’s communists?
That’s exactly their perspective. As fellow communists, they find it easier to coordinate and cooperate with like-minded forces. So, their expressed desire for unity stems from that alignment.
Has there been any discussion regarding the leadership within UML?
No. China has no interest in the internal affairs of the UML. They have no intention of interfering in leadership matters. Their primary concern is political stability in Nepal—they will not descend to the level of meddling in party structures. There was no such discussion.
The phone conversation between Xi Jinping and President Bhandari during her tenure was significant, wasn’t it?
Indeed. That’s one of the reasons why China gave her such high respect, honor, and warm hospitality during this visit. It was a reflection of that longstanding relationship.
How would you describe the nature of this visit? What kind of honor was extended?
China treated the former President as a distinguished leader of Nepal. They officially referred to the delegation as a “high-level delegation” and offered honors accordingly.
Who did the delegation meet during the visit?
The delegation held meetings with several senior Chinese officials. There were meetings with the Vice President and the Head of the Foreign Department, all based on direct communication from President Xi Jinping. The meetings took place in Beijing, Changshu, and Changkan.
What message did the former President convey during the visit?
She addressed the “International Conference on Civilizations in Modern Development” held in Kansu, attended by representatives from 60 countries. In her speech, she emphasized the deep and historic friendship between Nepal and China, and stressed that the relationship should be further strengthened.
Do you see any real possibility of communist unity in Nepal following this visit?
That’s now an internal matter for our parties. It’s up to us to take the necessary steps. China may wish for unity among Nepal’s leftist forces, but the decision lies with us.
Is there a chance that those sharing the UML legacy could reunite?
Certainly. Many of these leaders were once together. Personal ambitions, internal disputes, and competition for positions caused the splits. If our leaders can rise above personal interests and the fight for status, reconciliation is possible.
So the divisions are due to personal interests?
Yes, that’s our biggest problem. If we move beyond self-interest and focus on ideological and political debate, there is real potential for unity.
Could the former President play a role in this unity effort?
She has already expressed her intent to take initiative, and she is doing so. As a senior leader of Nepal’s communist movement, she feels a sense of responsibility. She has witnessed the fragmentation of the movement—at times to the point of collapse. In this context, every cadre and leader has a role to play in reuniting the left.
Given your own ideological concerns about the division, do you feel a sense of responsibility?
Absolutely. We must initiate and lead ideological and political debates. This is a collective responsibility, and we should engage in such discussions freely, without external pressure.
Should Nepali political parties consider the wishes of their neighbors too?
Yes, they should. Our neighbors desire stability. To honor that, we too must strive for unity.
What kind of unity are we talking about—ideological, policy-based, or for positions?
In Nepal, many divisions have occurred due to power struggles and positions. But if our policies and ideologies align, then positions should be secondary.
So you believe the splits weren’t about ideology, but about individualism?
Yes. The root cause was self-centeredness and the pursuit of positions. Our leaders are powerful figures. Within the same party, it becomes hard for everyone to secure high positions. Compromise becomes necessary.
How can these leaders compromise on positions?
We need to think broadly. Parties should not split simply because someone didn’t get a position. If we care about the larger movement, we must put aside the hunger for posts. Unity doesn’t mean everyone becomes General Secretary—someone has to step back.
Do you see a possibility of left unity by 2084 (2027)?
We must make it happen—whether through party unification, joint work, or collaboration in any form. I firmly believe that Nepal’s leftist movement must be united. That’s essential.
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