Kathmandu – Nepal has cancelled the 17th International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) seminar, originally scheduled for Aug. 23–29 in Kathmandu, after the government raised diplomatic concerns over the event, reaffirming its commitment to the One-China policy and regional diplomatic stability.
The Himalaya Centre for Asian Studies at Kathmandu University and the Rangjung Yeshe Institute were due to co-host the week-long conference, which was expected to bring together more than 720 scholars from 39 countries for discussions on Tibetan language, history, culture and Buddhist philosophy.
The decision followed diplomatic consultations between Nepali and Chinese officials, during which concerns were raised over the possible participation of representatives from the Tibetan exile administration. Nepal later requested that the event be cancelled to avoid diplomatic complications and maintain its long-standing foreign policy commitments.
The cancellation underscores the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Tibet-related activities in Nepal, which adheres to the One-China policy and has consistently stated that it does not allow its territory to be used for activities deemed harmful to its friendly neighbors.
