KATHMANDU: Professor Huang Zheng Duo is the Director of the Nepal Study Centre at Sichuan University, China.

Duo, who also studied at Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies in USA, is active as a researcher about relations between China and South Asian Countries. He has penned three books and published many research articles.

The following are the excerpts of an interview taken by sub-editor of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Madhu Shahi, with Director Duo, who arrived in Kathmandu to participate in different programmes taking place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China relations, focusing in various aspects of Nepal-China relations:

You visit Nepal frequently. What are the things that make you visit Nepal?

I have visited Nepal more than 20 times so far. So it can be said that Nepal is my second home. I used to visit Nepal in course of research as well as participate in various programmes including educational seminars and workshops.

More than that Nepal’s natural beauty has always fascinated me. I have also visited different places out of Kathmandu—Janakpur, Chitwan, Lumbini, Pokhara and Manang, among others. All these places have their own specialty.

However, Lumbini is my one of the favourite place and it is also important because it is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. China has a very old connection with Buddhism.

 Of the foreign tourists visiting Nepal, number of Chinese tourists is high. What improvements Nepal can make in tourism sector to attract more Chinese tourists?

Nepal is naturally beautiful. Apart from this, there are different durbar areas that are listed in the list of world heritages, world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), different national parks. Mainly, Lumbini has been the centre of attraction of Chinese tourists as it is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

I think there is lack of arrangement of spiritual and original gifts of Lumbini. Tourists usually face problems in finding such types of gift they want to take from Lumbini to their homes.Similarly, tourists visiting Nepal have to pay

charge to visit different places of Nepal as compared to other countries. I see the possibility that number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal will increase significantly if concession can be offered in such tickets.

Recently, high-level visits between the two countries are growing. What impact do you see this having on diplomatic relations?

It is necessary for any country to hold continuous meetings and talks to strengthen relation. It helps to further strengthen emotional bond between each other. High-level meetings and talks between heads of the government or head of the state in diplomatic manner is natural.

Except this, people-to-people relations between the two countries are also expanding which helps to know each other in a better way. The exchange of students of both countries has been helping to know Chinese society.

Nepal-China diplomatic relations have reached 70 years. What direction do you see the relationship between Nepal and China heading towards now?

The Nepal-China diplomatic relations began on August 1, 1955. Historically, the two nations have developed a relationship based on coexistence, cooperation, mutual respect, and friendship. Currently, throughout the month of August, Nepal and China are celebrating completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between them.

Now, how to make the coming year even more fruitful and prosperous in terms of bilateral ties is an important topic. In my opinion, for the relationship between Nepal and China to be long-term and result-oriented, it is necessary for Nepal’s politics to be stable.

A stable government is necessary for the development here to take a concrete form. Similarly, collaboration can be done in the hydropower projects here. Similarly, as the present age is that of artificial intelligence (AI), I see another basis for Nepal to make its relationship meaningful in digital partnership with China.

Nepal has recently introduced an AI policy, which is positive. Since China has made significant progress in this area, Nepal can also learn technology from China.

 Among the various bases such as political, economic, educational, social, and cultural, which one do you think is more effective in strengthening Nepal-China diplomatic relations?

As you mentioned, political, economic, educational, social, and cultural aspects all contribute to strengthening the diplomatic relations between the two countries. All these bases are interrelated with each other.

However, in my opinion, the partnership for economic development can also contribute to the prosperity of other sectors. In the context of economic development and poverty reduction, China wants to share what it knows with Nepal.

In Nepal, there is a lot of interest in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. What is your opinion on this?

As Nepal is a landlocked country, it is very important to expand external connectivity here. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project can indeed become a supportive factor for connectivity expansion and development here.

However, the inability to progress in the way that the BRI projects should advance could also be attributed to the growing geopolitical situation in the region. It is essential for all political parties to come together in the context of development.

Nepal is a comparatively small country located between two powerful neighboring countries. What strategies should Nepal adopt to maintain a balance between these large nations?

As you mentioned, Nepal is a geographically small country between two powerful nations. However, it has its own existence, sovereignty, and distinct identity.

Nepal may have felt some challenges in balancing the neighbourly relations between China and India. In my opinion, as long as Nepal maintains a spirit of goodwill and cooperation among neighbouring countries, it shouldn’t be a major problem. It doesn’t seem a problem maintaining balance for cooperation. Nepal has been engaging in such diplomatic practices as well.

The number of Nepali students going to China for higher studies is increasing. What role can these students play in strengthening the relationship between the two countries?

Recently, the number of Nepali students studying in China is increasing. This is a positive aspect for us. The group of youth participating in various training, seminars, and discussions is also increasing. Since students are an important source of knowledge and cultural exchange, educational development helps to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Such activities are essential to understand each other.

To conclude, which aspect of Nepal do you find beautiful?

Nepal is beautiful in terms of nature, culture, and religion. Along with this, another interesting aspect is its multi-dimensional society. I like the open ideological debates, discussions, and interactive culture present in this society.