Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal has long perceived its northern neighbor, China, as a reliable partner that respects Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, a closer look at history reveals a different narrative. China has, over the centuries, consistently encroached upon Nepalese territory, attacked Nepalese security personnel, and asserted undue influence over Nepal's borders.

The complex history of Nepal's relationship with Tibet and China offers crucial insights into the shifting dynamics of power, trade, and sovereignty. This article delves into the historical, political, and strategic factors underpinning Nepal's border disputes with China and examines their continued relevance.

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Tibet: A Historical Ally and Trade Partner

Until 1949, Tibet was an independent nation and a critical partner in Nepal's trade and cultural exchanges. Nepal and Tibet shared a symbiotic relationship; Nepal provided goods that Tibet required and vice versa. Tibetan merchants freely conducted business in Nepal, while Nepalese traders operated in Tibet with equal ease.

However, this relationship was not devoid of conflict. Nepal and Tibet fought three major wars over trade disputes and territorial disagreements.

• The first war in 1845 resulted in a significant Tibetan defeat, with Tibet shouldering the costs of the war.
• The second war in 1788 escalated when Tibet sought Chinese support against Nepal. After nearly four years of fighting, a treaty was signed in 1792, granting China the authority to mediate disputes between Nepal and Tibet.
• The third war in 1911 saw Nepal decisively defeating Tibet, which accepted Nepal's terms in 1912 after Chinese support failed to materialize.

These conflicts highlight the intertwined history of Nepal and Tibet, marked by both cooperation and contention.

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China’s Annexation of Tibet and Its Impact on Nepal

In 1950, China's annexation of Tibet fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the region. With Tibet no longer an independent buffer state, Nepal's northern neighbor became China, a powerful and assertive global player.

Following the annexation, China began monitoring Nepal-Tibet trade and implementing restrictive measures. By 1958, China's "salami-slicing strategy" became evident—a tactic involving gradual encroachments to claim large territories over time.

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China's Territorial Encroachments in Nepal

China's aggressive territorial policy became evident in 1960 when it published a map incorporating Mount Everest and the Mahalangur mountain range within its territory. This shocking claim sparked nationwide protests in Nepal and forced the Nepalese government to engage in high-level diplomatic negotiations.

During his visit to China, Prime Minister B.P. Koirala faced immense pressure to accept China's territorial claims. China presented three pieces of evidence supporting its claim over Mount Everest. However, Nepal refused to sign an agreement recognizing these claims, leaving the dispute unresolved.

Subsequent agreements, such as the 1960 Sino-Nepal Border Agreement and the 1961 Friendship Treaty, aimed to address these issues. Yet, China's unilateral actions, including deploying armed forces into Nepalese territory in 1960, exacerbated tensions. A skirmish in which Chinese forces attacked Nepalese border security personnel, killing one and abducting others, underscored the severity of the situation.

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The Establishment of Border Markers and Ongoing Disputes

The 1960 border agreement resulted in the establishment of 98 permanent border markers across 79 locations, delineating Nepal's 1,439.18 km-long border with China. Despite these efforts, disputes persist.

Key areas of contention include:

• Mount Everest Region: China's claim over the northern sections of Everest remains a sensitive issue.
• Disputed Pillars: Marker number 33, constructed in Nepal's absence, symbolizes ongoing disagreements over the exact border line.

Nepal conducts joint border inspections with China every decade. However, many disputes remain unresolved due to China's strategic encroachments and Nepal's lack of assertiveness.

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Geopolitical Implications and the Way Forward

China's actions along Nepal's northern border have significant geopolitical implications. By controlling key trade routes and exerting territorial claims, China has limited Nepal's sovereignty in critical areas.

Nepal's reliance on China for economic and infrastructure development complicates its ability to resist such encroachments. However, history demonstrates that Nepalese leadership, when supported by public sentiment and international pressure, can effectively counter China's ambitions.

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Conclusion

Nepal's relationship with China is a delicate balancing act. While economic cooperation remains essential, Nepal must assert its territorial integrity and historical rights. Transparent governance, robust diplomatic engagement, and active international partnerships are critical to safeguarding Nepal's sovereignty in the face of growing external pressures.

The legacy of Nepal-Tibet-China relations offers valuable lessons: strong leadership and public unity are essential to preserving Nepal's independence and identity.