Apr 16, 2011

Chinese Army chief General Chen Bingde led a high level 15-member delegation to Kathmandu on a three day visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart. China also committed to provide Nepal with NRs 1.42 billion (US $ 19.8 million) in military aid. Two agreements to this effect were signed by Nepal Army chief General Chatraman Singh Gurung and visiting Chinese Army chief General Chen Bingde. China had earlier provided US $ 2.6 million in non-lethal military aid and communication logistics worth US $ 3 million. The latest Chinese largesse will include engineering equipment including heavy construction vehicles, medical equipment to NA's military hospital in Kathmandu and logistics for rescue operations.

            With Chinese government providing non lethal aid to Nepal Army two stake holders will be worried, on one side will be Indians who have long standing relations between Army to Army. On the other hand the Unified CPN M about to integrate cadres with the Nepal army should also be taking note of the proximity of the two forces. Despite these apprehensions it appears that the largesse has been given to Nepal for anti Tibetan stand taken by the government as well as the strong arm action taken to block Tibetan parliamentary elections. Statements as, "The government of Nepal recognises Tibet as an integral part of China. We are committed to a One-China Policy," by Defence Minister Bishnu Poudel who added, "We will not allow Nepali soil to be used against any of our neighbours," must have been music to General Chen Bingde.

On the whole as Nepal balances between two neighbours India and China visit of the Chinese Army Chief to Kathmandu is  significant for this would signal to New Delhi that the Nepal Army’s relations with the Indian  Army is not exclusive. Therefore it would be important to signify this new development particularly as it is happening after almost a decade of the last such visit. While over a period the tradition of the Indian Army Chief being an honorary chief of the Nepal Army and the latter in the Indian Army has been maintained there was a gap in between when the relations between India and Nepal were low. Therefore it remains to be seen how the triangular balance will be maintained by the three armed forces in the Himalayas in the days ahead.

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