Correct word | The relationship between the CCP and the communist parties of Nepal and its implications for India

The Communist Party of China (CCP) has been actively working to cultivate positive relations with various communist parties worldwide. Once considered a dominant political ideology on an international scale, its influence has waned since the conclusion of the Cold War. However, communist parties around the world continue to struggle to link more closely with one another.

The CCP has effectively used the power it has accumulated through the careful advancement of China’s economy to foster meaningful interactions with other Communist parties. While these interactions are ideologically motivated, they also serve strategic purposes for China in projecting its influence within these nations. There have been numerous exchanges between the Communist parties of Nepal and China, including the exchange of ideas between party officials of both countries. Recently, the CCP’s provision of relief aid to political factions in Nepal has caused significant public controversy.

Nepal operates as a multi-party democracy, where the government has the authority to direct foreign relations and manage aid. This presents a timely opportunity to analyze the evolution of the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and various communist parties in Nepal. Interactions between the CCP and Nepal’s communist parties have become more pronounced in recent years, especially since the rise to power of President Xi Jinping.

This article explores the historical underpinnings of Sino-Nepalese Communist Party relations, their development under Xi Jinping, and how this cross-party diplomacy has enabled China to influence Nepal’s domestic and international political landscape, along with its potential repercussions for India and its strategies. for India to counter these influences.

Initial phase of communist ties between China and Nepal

Formal diplomatic relations between China and Nepal have been established since 1955. However, interactions between the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) and the Communist Party of China (CCP) predate this official establishment. In the early stages, these interactions were deeply rooted in ideology, drawing strength from a shared commitment to communism, which served as a common platform for both sides.

It was not until the advent of democracy that inter-party relations began to be formalized as a diplomatic tool. During the mid-20th century, most official exchanges between China and Nepal were largely state-to-state, with minimal direct engagement between the CCP and the Nepalese communist parties.

A significant breakthrough in the early 1980s came from an invitation by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (ID-CCP), which prompted delegations from Nepal, led by CP Mainali of the CPN-UML, to visit China . Over the following decades, various delegations of the Nepalese Communist Party demonstrated a marked increase in interactions between the two sides. However, these inter-party relations were limited by political instability within Nepal and its strong diplomatic ties with India.

Change in the era of Xi Jinping

In the past decade, especially after Xi Jinping assumed leadership, China’s foreign policy has become more assertive, with party-to-party diplomacy becoming a crucial element of its global strategy. China has formed alliances with political parties around the world that align with communist or left-wing ideologies. This approach has been reinforced by the Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by Xi Jinping.

Xi’s visit to Nepal in 2019 established a global framework aimed at strengthening political relations between the two nations. His comments on the sustained collaboration conveyed that this initiative would strengthen Chinese influence within Nepal’s political landscape.

The CCP’s efforts to unify the fragmented Nepalese communist movement were evident. After the establishment of the Communist Party of Nepal (NCP), formed through the merger of the two main communist factions—CPN (UML) and CPN (MC)—China anticipated that this consolidation would lead to a stable government , thus improving the long term. economic relations. In this context, China provided organized political and financial support, organized training sessions and facilitated field visits, while educating members of the Nepali Communist Party on “Xi Jinping Thought.”

However, internal factionalism within Nepal’s communist parties posed a significant challenge to China. Although the NCP was seen as a stable entity that was relatively manageable, it was forced to split following a 2021 decision by the Supreme Court of Nepal. This development disrupted Nepal’s political landscape and complicated China’s efforts to maintain its regional influence. China’s willingness to engage in diplomatic intervention after this split, as exemplified by ID-CCP Vice Minister Guo Yezhou’s visit to Nepal, highlights Beijing’s commitment to party-to-party diplomacy as a means of managing conflicts. its international relations.

Does it shape the China-Nepal relationship?

A critical question about China’s party-to-party diplomacy is whether it effectively allows China to influence the domestic political dynamics of other nations, including Nepal. In the case of Nepal, the answer is both affirmative and negative. The relations cultivated by China have undeniably strengthened its influence over specific political factions in Nepal.

Through ideological training sessions, seminars and frequent high-level visits, China has successfully established strong connections with Nepalese communist officials, especially within the NCP and the CPN-UML. This commitment has allowed China to gain important political advantages, such as substantial infrastructure contracts awarded to Chinese companies.

China’s ability to use party connections during periods of political turmoil, as demonstrated by the NCP split in 2021, highlights the importance of these connections as a vital means for China to exercise soft power in Nepal. The level of influence China wields within Nepal’s political and discursive environment is remarkably substantial, and interactions between China’s political parties have grown the perception that Beijing acts as a reliable ally in the context of development from Nepal.

Implications for India

The cultural affinity between India and Nepal gives them the opportunity to cultivate a closer relationship than with any other nation. India has supported a multi-party democratic Nepal throughout the civil conflict and beyond. Although it has historically maintained closer ties with the Nepali Congress, it also enjoys friendly relations with other parties, including various communist factions.

However, as a democracy, India recognizes the need for institutional checks and balances. Nepal’s democratic institutions are still in their formative stages and need further education to function effectively. As democratic competition thrives in Nepal, India should focus on fostering strong democratic institutions there. This could be achieved by inviting Nepali officials for advanced training, similar to what India offers to officials from numerous countries. It is noteworthy that Nepali intellectuals and activists who have studied in India have played an important role in promoting democracy in the former kingdom of Nepal.

Promoting democracy in Nepal is not only vital for the country itself but also essential for India to maintain its close relationship with Nepal. Through ideological alignment, China has sought to cultivate a favorable image among the country’s communist political elites. As a one-party communist state, China is eager to have a neighboring ally that shares its ideology, regardless of whether that ally is democratic. To prevent such scenarios, it is imperative that India supports and strengthens democratic institutions in Nepal.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. The opinions expressed in the previous piece are personal and exclusively those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.