Nepal PM confronts Xi over Lipulekh dispute with India; China’s firm reply stuns Nepal
Xi Jinping Rejects Nepal’s Lipulekh Plea Against India – In a dramatic diplomatic moment, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli confronted Chinese President Xi Jinping over the long-standing Lipulekh border dispute involving India. The meeting, held during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, has stirred global attention not just for Nepal’s bold move, but for China’s unexpected response.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for South Asia’s future.
Nepal’s Bold Stand: Lipulekh Belongs to Us
During his five-day visit to China, PM Oli raised a strong objection to the recent India-China agreement to reopen the Lipulekh Pass as a trade route. Nepal claims that Lipulekh, along with Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, lies east of the Mahakali River and therefore falls within its territory based on the historic Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
Oli told President Xi that:
- Nepal was not consulted in the India-China deal.
- The agreement violates Nepal’s sovereignty.
- China should not support any trade activity through Lipulekh without Nepal’s consent.
This was the first time a Nepali leader directly challenged China on this issue at such a high level. The message was clear: Nepal wants recognition and respect for its territorial claims.
Xi Jinping’s Firm Reply: It’s Not Our Fight
President Xi’s response was diplomatic but firm—and it surprised many observers. According to Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Xi stated:
“Lipulekh is a traditional border pass. China respects Nepal’s claim, but this is a bilateral issue between India and Nepal.”
In other words, China distanced itself from the dispute, urging Nepal to resolve the matter directly with India. This stance shocked many in Kathmandu, who had hoped for stronger support from Beijing.
China’s reply signals:
- A desire to avoid direct conflict with India.
- A neutral position in South Asian border disputes.
- A focus on maintaining regional stability and trade.
For Nepal, this was a diplomatic setback. For India, it was a quiet win.
Global Ripples: What This Means for the Region
Xi’s response has triggered mixed reactions across South Asia:
- In Nepal, many see it as a missed opportunity to gain leverage in the border talks with India. Critics argue that Oli’s approach lacked preparation and overestimated China’s willingness to intervene.
- In India, the response is seen as validation of its long-held position that Lipulekh trade has existed since 1954 and is not up for debate.
- In China, the move reflects a strategic balancing act, supporting Nepal’s development while avoiding territorial entanglements.
The Lipulekh issue has been simmering since 2020, when Nepal released a new map including the disputed regions. India rejected it, stating the claims were not based on historical facts. The recent India-China agreement to reopen the pass reignited tensions, prompting Nepal’s latest protest.
Xi Jinping Rejects Nepal’s Lipulekh Plea :What’s Next: Dialogue or Deadlock?
Despite the diplomatic drama, both India and Nepal have expressed willingness to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to:
- Use historical treaties and maps as evidence.
- Engage in constructive talks with India.
- Avoid unilateral actions.
India responded by saying it remains open to discussions but stands firm on its territorial claims.
Meanwhile, China has offered to help Nepal in other areas such as agriculture, trade, and infrastructure without getting involved in the border dispute. This signals that while China values its relationship with Nepal, it won’t risk its ties with India over Lipulekh.
Final Thought
This episode highlights the complex triangle between India, Nepal, and China. While Nepal made a bold move, China’s reply reminded the world that diplomacy often favors caution over confrontation. The Lipulekh dispute remains unresolved but the path forward lies in dialogue, not drama.
Also read – Bridges Over Borders: Modi and Xi Landmark Pact in Tianjin, Reignite India-China Cooperation
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