China offers Nepal an initiative to foster tourism and cultural exchange under the garb of ‘Visit Nepal 2025.’ However, Indian authorities must remain vigilant as more and more Chinese tourists fly into Nepal next year.

‘Visit Nepal-2025’ Chinese initiative or trap?

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Sun Weidong, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ yesterday.

During the meeting, Vice Minister Sun announced China’s decision to mark ‘Visit Nepal-2025.’ This initiative is aimed at “encouraging” Chinese tourists to visit Nepal, thereby “boosting” Nepal’s tourism industry. The decision aligns with the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations, signifying a deepening of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two neighboring countries, claims Nepal and China.

Vice Minister Sun Weidong arrived in Nepal on a three-day official visit. His visit is primarily to attend the Sixteenth Meeting of the Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism, which is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on June 25. This meeting is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and address mutual interests in various sectors including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Earlier last week Nepal’s PM mentioned in a statement that three international airports of Nepal will be handed over to a “foreign country” for operation and that discussions are progressing. Out of the three international airports, two were constructed with China’s assistance.

Akin to Sri Lankan port Nepal’s airports Gautam Buddha International Airport and
Pokhara International Airports also ran into financial trouble soon after opening, as the number of tourists never surged. Adding to their woes was India not opening new air routes.

Read: India’s air route strategy hurting Nepal and China

Concerns FOR INDIA

It is worth noting that there have been previous incidents where Chinese citizens, visiting Nepal as tourists, were involved in bribing Nepali authorities to obtain Nepali passports. With a large influx of Chinese tourists anticipated in the upcoming ‘Visit Nepal-2025,’ Indian agencies and security forces are expected to be vigilant, given the potential security implications.

Read the complete story here: Chinese Citizens Bribing Nepali Authorities To Get Nepali Citizenship

LESSON FROM AMERICA:

Interestingly, America is facing a heavy illegal migration of Chinese professionals, which many claim are Chinese Military professionals in the guise of illegal migrants. Some say this could be part of an espionage.

This should ring alarm bells in India where anyone with Nepali passport can get government jobs and can join the Indian security forces.