The Qinghai-Xizang railway Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

Xizang, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural traditions, has long become a target of Western smear campaigns and falsehoods about China. What is the truth? In the "Truth Seen in Xizang" series, the Global Times publishes conversations with and articles from scholars and observers from around the world who have visited the region, sharing their firsthand experience of traveling to Xizang and observing the daily lives of people there. Through their insights and experiences, we aim to present an authentic perspective on the Xizang Autonomous Region. 

This is the sixth piece of the series.


As immediate neighbors with deep-rooted historical, cultural and economic ties, Nepal and China's Xizang Autonomous Region have long shared a unique bond across the Himalayas. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. At the outset, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Nepal and China on this significant milestone. Both sides endeavor to maintain their bilateral relations in a consistent and healthy manner despite several political and economic changes in the international arena and within their own countries. This relationship sets a model of peaceful coexistence between two countries of immensely different size, demographics and economies.

The contemporary world is experiencing uncertainty and great turbulence in the evolving wake of a multipolar global order. This is the right time for both neighbors to calibrate their relationships according to the changing global order so that their relations can navigate the development aspirations of their people, bringing peace and prosperity to their countries and contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

As for the development of Xizang, I would describe it as both amazing and phenomenal. I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative changes taking place across all aspects of life in the region, including socioeconomic progress, cultural and environmental preservation, and poverty alleviation efforts.

As I recall my memories, the inauguration of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway in 2006 was a milestone event that significantly accelerated Xizang's journey of socioeconomic development. The railway link between Lhasa and other Chinese regions also inspired hopes of extending this connectivity to Nepal through the towering Himalayas, integrating the region with China's modern rail network. 

I once served as the consul general of Nepal to Lhasa, during which I witnessed firsthand the development of transportation in Xizang and personally promoted the official launch of the international direct passenger bus service on the China-Nepal Friendship Highway connecting Lhasa and Kathmandu.

Frankly speaking, one of the main motivations behind initiating the bus service, for me, was a deep desire to revive the historical linkages between Lhasa and Kathmandu, envisioning it as a connecting bridge between China and South Asia. The direct bus route was expected to enhance the perceived value of connectivity between these two historically linked cities, and raise awareness of the need to upgrade transport infrastructure - particularly through a railway linking Kathmandu with China's railway network. Strengthened connectivity with China could open up new avenues for Nepal to engage with the broader international community via China, thereby reducing the risks Nepal currently faces due to its heavy dependence on India for international trade. Unfortunately, the bus service is currently suspended. 

Xizang has played an invaluable role in promoting trade, investment, tourism and cultural relations between Nepal and China since time immemorial. Nepal not only shares a border with China's Xizang, but it is also one of the few countries with the privilege of operating direct international flights from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. This year, the first scheduled direct passenger flight between Lhasa and Pokhara was officially launched. The first-ever direct flight between Lhasa and Pokhara is a great event to be celebrated on the occasion of 70 fruitful years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Both countries have signed a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation agreement aimed at promoting a trans-Himalayan multidimensional connectivity network. Tourism is a vital pillar of Nepal's economy, and Pokhara stands out as one of its most popular tourist destinations - including among Chinese visitors. Against this backdrop, launching a direct flight between Lhasa, one of China's top tourist destinations, and Pokhara, a major tourist city in Nepal, holds great significance for both nations. The potential benefits are immense.

Xizang's socioeconomic transformation over the past seven decades is phenomenal. China's success in poverty alleviation is an unprecedented achievement in human history and is worthy of acclaim. While acknowledging China's achievements, it is of paramount importance to explore the possibility of emulating these successful approaches in our own context. China is willing to share its expertise and experience with developing nations all over the world. As a close and friendly neighbor, Nepal can and should take advantage of this opportunity. Nepal can learn a great deal from Xizang's development models and technology applied since the topography, climate, culture and development challenges in the northern belt of Nepal are similar to those in Xizang. 

The massive investment in infrastructure, trade, agriculture and poverty alleviation activities in Xizang will create spillover benefits for Nepal. The road network to the northern border of Nepal is very limited and primitive, whereas a world-class highway network is in place toward Xizang. Nepal has been using Xizang's highway to transport food and construction materials along the northern border. Under such circumstances, the government of Nepal should consider developing a comprehensive program with a time-bound action plan and specific poverty alleviation targets along the northern slope of the Himalayas and solicit expertise, including from China, to execute such a plan. Xizang's high-quality development drive may prompt the Nepali side to bring about speedy development in its own region. Nepal can enhance its manufacturing and export capabilities by inviting investment and advanced technology from China in general and Xizang in particular.

The intensity and magnitude of historical exchanges between Xizang and Nepal were the largest, covering every aspect of life, such as religion, art, literature, food and costume, and were deeper than with any other part of the world. The Chinese efforts to preserve and explore Xizang's culture provide impetus and synergy for Nepal's own civilizational exploration. Nepal can benefit from cultural preservation in Xizang, which promotes tourism and offers transboundary spillover benefits as well.

Despite China's considerable efforts to protect Tibetan culture, some Western critics accuse China's policies in Xizang of being "cultural genocide." I think these allegations are utterly baseless! The façades of the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple at the heart of Lhasa have been uplifted through decades of diligent work. I have visited libraries and met people working in the fields of art, literature, costume, crafts, architecture, animal husbandry, dance, Tibetan Buddhism, and more - each engaged in research and study in their respective areas. The investment in the renovation and recovery of cultural, religious and historic sites in all parts of Xizang has been massive! I see no reason to criticize China in this regard, as it has made tremendous efforts to preserve culture and heritage sites as part of the shared property of humankind. There is no need to respond to any politically motivated, preconceived, baseless allegations.

The article was compiled based on an interview with Leela Mani Paudyal, former ambassador of Nepal to China and consul general of Nepal to Lhasa. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn