Pardafas Reporter
President Bidya Devi Bhandari is going to address the ‘Global Security Initiative (GSI), called ‘Asian NATO’ of China, despite strong opposition from Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Though Nepal's foreign policy does not allow it to be part of any military alliance or give any hint of support to such alliances, President Bhandari is going to participate in such a controversial event about which top officials have strong reservations.
However, Nepal has not yet approved China’s GSI despite repeated calls from China's side to support the new security initiative. That security initiative was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia in April.
As Nepal’s official policy has been non-aligned, so far it has refused to join any military alliance or initiative.
The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu recently has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that “under the guidance of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Chinese People’s Association of Peace 2022 is being organized on Wednesday from 17:00 to 18:30 hours Beijing time (09:00-10:30 GMT)”. The event themed “Acting on the Global Security Initiative to Maintain World Peace and Stability” is being convened in a hybrid format with both online and offline participants.
According to the source, President Bhandari will take part virtually in that event. President Bhandari on Monday informed prime minister Deuba about the event during a tea reception on Constitution Day.
However, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka, and other senior officials at the foreign ministry have already advised the President to not participate in such “controversial” events.
Similarly, this issue has already been brought to the Parliament’s notice by former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Sujata Koirala. She had also sought a reply from Foreign Minister Khadka. But Khadka failed to respond.
As it is a fact that government is the chief adviser to the president however President Bhandari is attending that event against the prior consent and approval of the government.
But according to the President’s Office, President Bhandari is all set to make a brief speech in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the event after approval from senior foreign ministry officials.
According to a source, President Bhandari will participate in the event organized by a Chinese non-governmental organization and give a brief speech. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the event, passed the invitation to the President’s Office, and also prepared a draft speech for the President to read out at the event.
After getting such information from the President's Office, an official at the Prime Minister’s Office again said that it is both immature and strange on the part of the foreign ministry that initially approved the President’s participation in the event to later express reservations after apprehensions by the Prime Minister.
The Chinese authorities are continuously insisting Nepal to support the Beijing-led Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet reacted and decided on the Chinese proposal, particularly on the GSI.
At the time of inviting President Bhandari to participate in that event, the Chinese Embassy letter stated, “It takes our great privilege to invite HE Ms. Bidya Devi Bhandari to participate in the event and deliver a six-minute speech in real-time.
“We have told the Chinese that Nepal could participate in the Global Development Initiative, but we are yet to decide on joining the Global Security Initiative given our policy of non-alignment,” said a government secretary. He also adds a question “But how can a ceremonial president participate in such a controversial event about which top officials have strong reservations?”
Foreign policy observers and experts, citing Nepal’s foreign policy position, said the country should not rush to join the GSI without studying its possible ramifications.
Similarly, security analysts say that it should be deeply studied that the security, military, and strategic initiatives initiated by any country. At the same time, Nepal should be saved from becoming a bastion of geopolitical competition. Meanwhile, analysts are also saying that this GSI of China can provoke a new cold war in the world.
