In a press conference held today, the National Unity Campaign criticized recent statements by Chinese Ambassador Chen Song and called on the Nepalese government to take diplomatic action. Central members of the campaign, including Shanti Chaudhary, Chandra Yaduvanshi, Ram Kumar Paswan, and Valley Coordinator Maheshwar Man Vaidya, were present at the event.

The campaign filed a Right to Information (RTI) request concerning projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to obtain official information. According to a response from Nepal's Ministry of Finance, no BRI projects are currently operational in Nepal. However, Ambassador Chen recently claimed via social media that several projects, including the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road, the Hilsa-Simikot road upgrade, the fourth phase of the Araniko Highway, and the construction of an Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) at Korala in Mustang, are part of the BRI.

Campaign members argued that the ambassador’s assertions amount to unwarranted interference in Nepal's internal affairs and violate diplomatic norms. They referenced the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which mandates that foreign diplomats respect the sovereignty and laws of their host country, a standard the campaign claims Ambassador Chen's actions have contravened.

In a bold statement, the National Unity Campaign called for the expulsion of Ambassador Chen. Members highlighted China's history of using BRI projects and loans to expand its influence in other nations. They cited examples such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Malaysia, where BRI-related projects have reportedly led to significant economic strain. Drawing from these cases, the campaign advised Nepal to be cautious of similar imbalanced agreements.

Valley Coordinator Maheshwar Man Vaidya expressed concern over the ambassador's "false claims," suggesting they could impact Nepal’s economic security and international standing. He urged the government to issue an official rebuttal and request a formal explanation from the Chinese embassy. Additionally, he recommended sending a diplomatic note of protest, warning against future misleading claims.

The campaign emphasized that Nepal must prioritize its national interests in all international projects, including the BRI. In their view, Nepal’s sovereignty and legal principles should be upheld, resisting unnecessary economic pressure and diplomatic inequality. Members present at the conference appealed to the government to take a firm stance, expelling the ambassador if necessary to protect Nepal’s independence and dignity.

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Acknowledgment of Binay Yadav’s Movement

In a broader context, public and journalists has acknowledged activist Binay Yadav’s role in raising awareness about potential "debt traps" associated with Chinese investments. Yadav has been a prominent voice for Hindu nationalism and Nepal's sovereignty, pushing for greater scrutiny of foreign influence, especially under the BRI framework.