Kathmandu: A diplomatic row has erupted
between China and Nepal as Beijing expressed dissatisfaction
over the appointment of a minister of Tibetan ethnic origin by
the communist party-led government of Prime Minister Jhala
Nath Khanal.
Chinese embassy officials in Kathmandu have expressed
dissatisfaction over the appointment Lharkyal Lama as State
Minister for Finance who is allegedly connected with the `free
Tibet movement,` a CPN-UML party source said.
China is miffed with appointment of Lama who alleged
holds two passports - Nepali and Indian - and also an identity
card of Tibetan refugee, the CPN-UML party source was quoted
as saying by Nagarik daily, a local newspaper.
According to a report in nepalnews online, it prompted
Chinese officials to express their displeasure during informal
conversations with the Prime Minister and other top communist
party leaders.
Lama holds the nationality of Nepal, Tibet and India,
according to a formal complaint filed against him at the home
ministry six years ago, myrepublica online, the website of
Republica newspaper said today.
Chinese officials have argued that Lama?s appointment
has raised questions on Nepal`s `one China policy`.
Nepal supports `one-China policy` that views Tibet as
an integral part of China. It has repeatedly assured its giant
northern neighbour that it will not allow its territory to be
used against the communist nation.
Nepal is home to around 20,000 exiled Tibetans and the
capital has been the scene of several anti-China protests
since the failed uprising against the Chinese rule on
March 10, 1959.
Despite tight security enforced by the Nepalese and
Chinese government in the border areas, every year some 2,500
Tibetans cross the border on their way to meet the Dalai Lama
in the Indian town of Dharamshala, where he is based since
fleeing from his motherland in 1959.
PTI
