Why Prime Minister Oli’s Beijing visit has sparked controversy. Here are five things to know
Summary
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is visiting Beijing amid controversy over his attendance at China's anti-Japan parade, reflecting the diplomatic balancing act between Nepal's relations with China and Japan.
Key Points
- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli plans to attend a controversial anti-Japan parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of WWII events.
- This is the first time a Nepali prime minister has attended such a commemorative event in China, while the Nepali president had declined previously to avoid diplomatic strain with Japan.
- China and Japan are in a long-standing dispute over WWII history interpretation, and Japan warned countries against attending China's commemorative events.
- Nepal is balancing growing ties with China and close relations with Japan, with Oli's attendance raising questions about Nepal's foreign policy.
- During his China visit, Oli will also participate in the SCO Plus forum, holding talks with leaders including Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, and raise regional territorial and trade issues.
