Oli’s Firm Stance on Lipulekh in Beijing

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli firmly raised the issue of the disputed Lipulekh pass in his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was a significant diplomatic move as it was the first time Nepal formally registered its territorial claim with China’s highest authority.

The Core of Nepal’s Position

The Lipulekh pass, located in the Himalayas, is a tri-junction border area between Nepal, India, and China. Historically, it has been used as a trade and pilgrimage route. Nepal’s claim to the area, along with Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, is based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, which established the Mahakali River as Nepal’s western border. Nepal argues that all territories east of the river, including these areas, are part of its sovereign land.

The dispute reignited after a recent understanding was reached between India and China to reopen border trade through the Lipulekh pass. This agreement prompted a strong objection from Nepal, which had not been consulted on the matter. The Nepalese government asserts that such an agreement, involving a territory it claims as its own, is a direct violation of its sovereignty.

China’s Response and Diplomatic Nuances

According to Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Amrit Bahadur Rai, PM Oli explicitly expressed Nepal’s strong reservations to President Xi. In response, President Xi acknowledged Nepal’s position but maintained that China would not take sides in the dispute. He urged Nepal to resolve the issue bilaterally with India, stating that the pass has been used traditionally but that China would not be a party to the dispute. This stance highlights the delicate diplomatic balance China seeks to maintain between its two South Asian neighbors.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s official statement following the meeting, however, did not mention the Lipulekh issue, instead focusing on broader topics of cooperation, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Nepal’s support for China’s “One China Policy.” This discrepancy suggests that while China heard Nepal’s concerns, it chose not to publicize its position, emphasizing its preference for bilateral resolution between Nepal and India.