China weighs risks as social unrest rocks strategic partner Nepal
Regional instability, political upheaval test China’s Belt and Road Initiative, casting uncertainty over key infrastructure projects
Observers warned that Beijing should be prepared for further instability in the region, citing weak governance and potential external influence in political transitions.
The unrest was initially triggered by a social media ban last week, and soon grew into a wider anti-corruption movement aimed at the country’s decade-long governing establishment on Monday.
“Oli has relatively close relations with China, so I believe this will certainly attract greater attention from China,” said Lin Minwang, professor and vice dean at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday afternoon that China hoped all sectors in Nepal could “properly handle domestic issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible”.