#China #Nepal #Bejing #Coronavirus #BLOCKADE
China has blocked Rasuwagadhi, Kerung and Tatopani checkpoints for over six months this year. Border-crossings are an integral source for food, medicines, etc. for small Nepalese villages.
China has blocked Rasuwagadhi, Kerung and Tatopani checkpoints for over six months this year. Border-crossings are an integral source for food, medicines, etc. for small Nepalese villages.
China has banked upon Nepal's economic and geostrategic vulnerabilities in order to discipline it. Border crossings between Zhangmu and Kodari have been in operation since 1968, newer ports for trade have opened up in recent times.
Even after the Tatopani border was opened on 6 July, Chinese restricted movement of goods from entering Nepal. Only four containers a day were permitted to cross the borders, and exports from Nepal are halted since March.
China's statements on the issue have raised questions over its intimidation tactics yet again, writes Shashank Joshi. The blockade in a time that calls for acquiescence on humanitarian grounds has hit a new low for Sino-Nepal relations, Joshi adds.
The border crossings have closed and reopened up to six times now, he says. Both governments have not taken any credible steps to solve the blockade issue that is plaguing Nepal's villages.
The situation has created negative sentiment among the public as prices of essential goods spiraled especially during the festive season, he writes. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been urged to allow smooth movement of vehicles at Tatopano and Keyrung transit points.
The Nepaleses have made solemn representations to the Chinese authorities to all the smooth transit between China and Nepal. China's stance seems unreasonable at a time when India has maintained flexibility by allowing entry of Nepalese trucks despite the coronavirus pandemic.
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