Central Idea

Nepal has declined China’s invitation to join President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI).

About Global Security Initiative (GSI)

The GSI aims to contribute to global peace and stability by promoting fairness and justice among nations.
It was launched in April 2022.
Six key principles:
1. Commitment to Comprehensive Security: Emphasizing cooperation for maintaining world peace and security.
2. Respect for Sovereignty: Upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for diverse development paths.
3. UN Charter Principles: Abiding by the UN Charter’s principles, rejecting Cold War thinking, unilateralism, group politics, and bloc confrontations.
4. Indivisible Security: Addressing the legitimate security concerns of all nations, promoting balanced and sustainable security, and opposing self-security at the expense of others.
5. Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Advocating dialogue and consultation for resolving international disputes, rejecting double standards, unilateral sanctions, and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
6. Multifaceted Security: Maintaining security in traditional and non-traditional domains, collaborating on regional conflicts, and addressing global challenges like terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and biosecurity.
Other Policy Initiatives: President Xi’s new initiatives—GDI, GSI, and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI)—have become cornerstones of China’s foreign policy during his third term.

Supporting Global Development Initiative: Nepal expressed support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and considered joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The joint statement reaffirmed cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the need to finalize a delayed BRI implementation plan swiftly.

Flagship Cross-Border Railway: Nepal and China are engaged in extensive connectivity projects, including the flagship cross-border railway from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
Broad Connectivity Goals: Both countries aim to strengthen connectivity across various sectors like ports, roads, railways, airways, and grids. They are working on the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network.
Border Port Openings: Nepal and China welcomed the opening of ports like Lizi-Nechung and the reopening of Zhangmu-Khasa for passenger services. They plan to open other border ports like Chentang-Kimathanka and Riwu-Olangchungola soon.
Infrastructure Support: China pledged support for projects like the Araniko Highway maintenance, Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway repair, and a 220 KV Cross-Border Power Transmission line. Progress on the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway was noted, with further cooperation and training initiatives planned.

Strategic Balancing: Nepal maintains a careful balance by cooperating on development projects with China while exercising caution on security matters.
Commitment on Tibet: Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to China on Tibet, pledging not to allow separatist activities against China on Nepali soil.
Support for Sovereignty: China expressed firm support for Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Nepal’s diplomatic balancing act reflects its cautious approach towards security cooperation while enthusiastically engaging in cross-border connectivity projects.
The joint statement highlights Nepal’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative and commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite declining to explicitly join the Global Security Initiative, Nepal agreed to elements of security collaboration with China.