Rajat KC: The Maoist Quest for Chinese Support

Most of the people from out side Nepal who are interested in Nepalese affairs may have impression that China may have furnished direct support to the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. In general term if makes sense not only because of the geo-strategical location of Nepal and china but also because of the communist revolutionary ideology adopted by Maoists. But in reality, right from the beginning of Maoists insurgency till date there is no evidence of such support extended by China to Nepalese Maoist. One of the main reasons of this fact is because of century's long traditional and harmonious relationship shared by Nepal and China. However, the statement issued by the Maoist leaders in various occasion and the developed post April scenario in Nepalese theatre indicate that the Maoists are definitely seeking direct support from China to create conducive environment for its path to declare Nepal a communist State.

The Chinese foreign policy towards Nepal is unquestionable ever since both the countries established diplomatic relation in 1955. The royal regime of Nepal had a unique relationship with Chinese leadership. The relationship between these two countries has not developed only in recent years but it was even in a robust shape during the reign of Comrade Mao-Tse-Tung.

The Maoists in the recent days are utilizing negotiation and diplomacy as their key tools. Negotiation is used as a prime means to engage with the Seven Party Alliance led government and a diplomatic tool is to deal with international communities. On top of that simultaneously they are using revolutionary tactics to destroy existing democratic set up of the country in order to strengthen and extend their communist set up throughout the country. They are not only heavily mentioning the planning and conduct of so called "October Revolution", in near future but they are also rehearsing and putting their best effort in order to materialize their plan effectively. The sister organizations of the Maoists are busy on conducting various programme in capital city that makes public life very disturbed and frustrated. They are very successful to put pressure on government, especially the Prime Minister not only from their capacity but also by provoking other leftist leaders of the SPA to speak the Maoist voice against the government.

The Maoists have primarily established relationship with various representatives from socialist countries. At the same time they are in frequent contact with Indian authorities. Now, it is clear that they have a kind of connection with Indian government as well as other Maoists organizations of India. Similarly, the Maoist related media have made public that they have already established connection with some Chinese authorities. However, so far there is no visible evidence of such meetings between Maoist and Chinese authorities.

In the first week of July this year, Prof. Mr. Wang Hongwei, known as Chinese Specialist on Nepalese Political Affairs visited Nepal. According to the Maoist sources he was treated as special guest by the Maoist in one of the resort in Khawa, near Dhulikhel. In fact, the Maoist wanted to impress him in order to use him to influence the Chinese Government in the Maoist favor. Although, it was not the first visit of Prof. Wang to Nepal, but most probably this could have been the first time that he had made direct contact with the Nepalese Maoists. His views and impression about the Maoist and current situation of Nepal is highlighted in his exclusive interview published on Maoist's weekly local news paper Janadesh, dated 11 July,2063.

Some students currently studying in China along with diplomatic sources have mentioned that one of the rebel military leader visited Beijing last month. If this is true then a serious concern arises as to why China gave priority to a rebel leader's visit instead of a political leader in its land.

Now, in these days the Maoist rebels are moving freely in villages, towns and even in metropolitan cities. They openly disclose the secrets that still they are smuggling arms and ammunition from outside. Most of them are from the south but substantial numbers have also been procured from the north. However, it is very difficult to believe that both governments are intentionally exporting these armaments to Maoists. But the chances of smuggling through illegal means and ways can not be ruled out.

Couple of weeks ago, the Maoist leader Prachanda spoke to a media in Kathmandu that they are likely to get necessary support from the northern neighbor, China. He indicates that they have thrown a term card to China by saying that by now the Maoists have established themselves as a major political power of Nepal. In the present scenario they can prove themselves as a good ally to China if it aims to enforce its interest in Nepal. They have even mentioned that they can play a significant role to prevent growing US and India's interest and influence in Nepal.

Time and again the Chinese Government has reiterated that they have not changed their policy towards Nepal. Most recently, Chinese Prime Minister Mr. Wen Jiabao told Nepalese Foreign Minister on his recent visit to China that "China will continue its traditional policy of friendship and cooperation with Nepal. There is lot of rooms to believe China's assertion because of their past policy towards Nepal and also to other countries of South Asia.

The Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) is considered as terrorist organization from world's perspective. Unless and until their terrorist tag is officially removed no country including China can provide direct support to them. The Maoists should stop extortion and abduction immediately and renounce violence if they want to be supported by China or any other legitimate elements, be it national or international.

Therefore, the Maoist must prove their honesty and full commitment to the peace process and should decommission their rebel force and weapons as soon as possible. They have to take part in political process to solve the ongoing crisis. This may create an environment in favor of them to receive outside support. In the 21st century they have to prove themselves as a legitimate Political force of Nepal through peaceful means.

ENDS

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