China to try to persuade Sushma Swaraj on China-Nepal-India corridor

BEIJING: China is expected to try to persuade external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to revise New Delhi’s outlook towards its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and agree to an economic corridor between China, Nepal and India. Swaraj is due to visit China on April 22.

The Chinese proposal is similar to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which includes a range of projects. New Delhi opposes the BRI because one part of it has violated India’s sovereignty in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Talking about China’s plans for Nepal, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday, “We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India.” He added, “We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries.”

Chinese leaders are encouraged by the enthusiasm expressed by visiting Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali for projects that include rail, road, energy and telecommunication networks connecting the two countries.

“Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on a long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross-Himalaya connectivity network,” Wang said at a joint press briefing along with Gyawali.

“I have a dream of travelling to China from Nepal on a modern train across the Himalayas and enjoying the scenic beauty,” Gyawali said, adding, “Nepal has expectations on the initiatives to contribute to the development of infrastructure, enhanced cross-border connectivity through railways and roads, promotion of trade, tourism and investment, and people-to-people contacts.”

Beijing hopes that its deals with Nepal would put pressure on India to accept the BRI and go along with its construction programme. China desperately needs to show some signs of success in BRI projects outside Pakistan, its close ally, amid signs that several countries are starting to worry about the huge costs involved.

China is offering to not just link the two countries but extend the railway line all the way to Lumbini, which is close to the Indian border. Once implemented, it will open up a land route to ship vast quantities of Chinese goods through Nepal to areas close to the Indian border although the Himalayan kingdom cannot consume too many goods.

Gyawali also requested China to correct the huge balance of trade against Nepal by buying more goods. His request revealed concerns in Kathmandu that opening up transportation links would enhance the supply of Chinese goods and push the small country into a deeper trade deficit.

In a message to New Delhi, Wang said, “Support for Nepal’s development should be a common understanding between India and China.”

China has been encouraging Nepal to reduce its economic dependence on India because that would give China both a diplomatic and business advantage.

“Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India,” Wang said.