China expresses concerns over Tibetan Studies Seminar in Kathmandu

Kathmandu — Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming met with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai on Tuesday and exchanged views on the upcoming 17th Seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from Aug. 23 to 29.

According to Nepali officials familiar with the meeting, Ambassador Zhang expressed China’s concerns that the international academic event could be exploited by individuals advocating positions related to Tibet that Beijing opposes. The Chinese side urged Nepal to ensure that the seminar is conducted in a manner consistent with Nepal’s longstanding commitment to the one-China principle and that no activities detrimental to China’s core interests take place. 

The seminar is expected to bring together hundreds of scholars and researchers from around the world to discuss Tibetan language, history, culture and related academic subjects. Organizers have described the event as an independent academic gathering focused on scholarly exchanges.

Nepali officials said the Chinese envoy did not submit any formal written request regarding the event or seek its cancellation, but conveyed Beijing’s concerns through diplomatic channels. 

Nepal has consistently reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and its commitment not to allow its territory to be used for activities deemed harmful to the legitimate interests of neighboring countries. China has repeatedly expressed appreciation for Nepal’s position on issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The Nepal government has in recent days permitted Tibetan Buddhist communities to observe the birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama under regulated arrangements while consistently reiterating its commitment to the one-China policy. Nepali authorities have maintained that such religious and cultural activities do not represent any change in the government’s longstanding position, stressing that Nepal will not allow its territory to be used for activities that undermine the sovereignty, security or territorial integrity of neighboring countries. Against this backdrop, the upcoming academic seminar has drawn attention in diplomatic circles, although there has been no official indication from the Nepal government that the event would affect its adherence to the one-China policy.