Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fengahi arrived in Kathmandu on a day-long visit on Sunday. He is accompanied by a powerful 20-member delegation to Nepal. The visit of the Chinese Defense Minister remains a topic of discussion in both countries amid Nepal’s improving relations with India. It is believed that during the meeting with PM KP Sharma Oli and President Vidya Debi Bhandari, China and Nepal may have several important agreements in defense sector.
Why the visit of Chinese Defense Minister is dangerous for India
It is believed that Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fengahi may pressurize Nepal to openly join President Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Under this, emphasis will be placed on increasing road and air connectivity between China and Nepal. If China’s presence in Nepal increases, it can certainly cause trouble for India.
How powerful is General Wei Fenghi?
China’s Defense Minister General Wei Fenghi is very special to President Xi Jinping. He is a key figure in China’s State Counselor, member of the Communist Party Central Committee, and the Central Military Commission headed by President Xi Jinping. It is believed that he has reached Nepal with a message from Jinping. Which can affect the politics of the region.
Wei Fengahi has reached Nepal with three-point agenda
China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghi has reached Nepal with his three-point agenda. The first agenda is to ensure that the Nepal-China border is properly protected. Recently, after the report of Chinese occupation in Humla, local people have seen anger about China. In such a situation, China wants to make its border completely secure.
China wants to sell military weapons to Nepal
The Chinese defense minister wants an agreement to sell small military weapons and equipment to Nepal during his visit. So far Nepal has been buying large part of its weapons from India. The Chinese defense minister wants Nepal to sell small arms and ammunition to the Nepal Army as part of its second agenda. In 1989, when the late King Birendra of Nepal signed a deal to buy arms from China, the then Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi imposed an economic blockade. But, it is now feared that Nepal may try to balance its dependence on India by playing the China card.
China can give Nepali Gurkhas jobs in Chinese army
General Wei may offer jobs to the Nepalese Gurkhas in the Chinese Army under his third agenda. For this, they can discuss terms and conditions. However, it has not yet been officially confirmed. Yet it is expected that China is intimidated by the Indian Army’s Mountain Strike Corps. He is also familiar with the strength of Nepali Gurkhas in the mountainous region. In such a situation, his trick may be to include these Gurkhas in his army.
navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
