Nepal-China Relations: A Complex History of Friendship and Conflict

Nepal and China have traditionally been viewed as reliable friends, with China often seen as a nation that offers selfless support and respects Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, a closer look at history reveals a series of incidents where China has encroached on Nepal's territory, disrespected its sovereignty, and even attacked Nepalese security personnel.

Historical Context: Nepal-Tibet Relations and Chinese Intervention

Until 1949, Tibet was an independent country with a unique relationship with Nepal. The two nations engaged in complementary trade; Nepal supplied Tibet with essential goods, and Tibetan traders freely conducted business in Nepal. Despite occasional disputes, the relationship was generally cooperative.

There were three significant Nepal-Tibet wars, the first occurring in 1845, where Tibet suffered a heavy defeat and had to bear the full cost of the conflict. Another war erupted in 1788 over trade disputes, with Tibet receiving Chinese assistance to attack Nepal. This war ended in 1792 with an agreement that China would arbitrate any future disputes between Nepal and Tibet.

The trade and even marital relationships between Nepal and Tibet flourished for centuries, enriching both nations. However, in 1950, China invaded and annexed Tibet, bringing an end to its independence. Since then, China has become Nepal's northern neighbor.

Border Encroachment and the Nepal-China Boundary Dispute

Following the annexation of Tibet, China began to monitor the Nepal-Tibet border closely and started to control the cross-border trade. In 1958, China adopted a "salami-slicing" strategy along the border, gradually encroaching on Nepalese territory. This tactic led to disputes over previously uncontested northern border areas.

The exact historical Nepal-Tibet border remains unclear up to 1948. According to some sources, Nepal controlled areas as far as Shigatse and Manasarovar until then. However, China unilaterally defined the border after its intervention.

In 1960, China issued a map including Mount Everest within its territory, a claim that shocked Nepal and the world. During a visit by Nepal's Prime Minister B.P. Koirala, China claimed not only Mount Everest but also the entire Mahalangur mountain range. China presented various documents to support its claim and pressured Nepal to sign an agreement, which the Nepalese delegation refused, fearing domestic controversy.

Despite these tensions, a friendship treaty was signed, with an agreement to resolve the Mount Everest dispute later. The border issue resurfaced during Nepal's Maoist insurgency, with Chinese troops attempting to encroach on Mount Everest. However, Nepal defended its territory.

Nepal-China Border Agreement and Disputes

According to the 1960 Nepal-China border agreement, the two countries share a 1,439.18 km border. This border includes 15 Nepalese districts, from Lipulekh in the west to Tiptala in the east. The agreement established 98 permanent boundary markers along 79 locations, but due to difficult terrain, three markers were not installed.

In 1989, a second joint border inspection was conducted, revealing that the Chinese had unilaterally constructed marker number 33 without Nepal's participation. This construction was noted in records but not addressed by Nepal, which often avoided confrontation unless significant territorial loss was at stake.

Chinese Interference and Nepalese Resistance

In June 1960, Chinese armed forces entered Nepal, attacking Nepalese border security forces, resulting in one death and the kidnapping of 18 other personnel. China applied pressure to redraw the border favorably to itself while simultaneously using military force, prompting a strong response from Nepal.

This complex history highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions in Nepal-China relations, marked by friendship and cooperation on one hand and disputes and conflict on the other.

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