New Delhi: After China’s new map antagonised India, Nepal is a bit miffed – albeit cautiously – as the map does not show the territories on the Indian border claimed by Kathmandu through its own cartographic efforts.
China had unveiled the 2023 edition of its standard map on Monday, which continued to show Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin within its boundary. While the political opposition raised the pitch, the Ministry of External Affairs said it had lodged a “strong protest” with China.
The new Chinese map also drew attention in Kathmandu, as it doesn’t include the areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, which are in the shape of a pointed spur and were incorporated into the official Nepali map in May 2020.
After Nepal had issued the map, India termed it as “unjustified cartographic assertion” and has not yet discussed the matter bilaterally.
The Chinese map has evoked some strong reaction within Nepal, with Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah cancelling his visit to China.
Nepali foreign ministry spokesperson Sewa Lamsal issued a cautiously worded statement that didn’t directly condemn Beijing.
“Nepal stands firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the parliament of Nepal in 2020. The government of Nepal unequivocally believes that this map must be respected by our neighbours as well as the international community. Nepal remains committed to resolve the boundary matters through dialogues and diplomacy,” said the spokesperson on Friday (September 1).
It is not surprising that Beijing does not recognise those areas as Nepali territory, as Lipulekh has long been an officially recognised trading post between India and China.
Till now, there has been no personal statement from the Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is scheduled to visit China this month to lead the delegation for the Asian Games.
Besides India, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have also expressed their objection to the new Chinese map based on their claims to the South China Sea.