CHINA LAUNCHES ANOTHER FORAY INTO NEPAL THROUGH NGOS

KATHMANDU: China has launched another foray into Nepal through its non-governmental organisations (NGOS) in an apparent bid to counter thousands of similar organisations funded by the West and Europe that are active in the country.

Traditionally, China has focused on state-to-state relations and the same policy also applied to Nepal’s case.

At a time when Nepal has put in place stringent regulations for the registration and renewal of permissions for NGOS in keeping with the KP Sharma Oli government’s nationalist plank, the entry of Chinese NGOS has led to several questions about their intent.

With some Nepalese NGOS facing criticism for allegedly promoting Christianity or helping the Tibetan cause, some observers believe the new Chinese initiative is aimed at countering such activities.

On Sunday, China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) tied up with the Social Welfare Council Nepal (SWCN), an umbrella organisation of local NGOS that is responsible for promoting, facilitating, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating the activities of NGOS in the country.

Chinese NGOS will promote and strengthen ties between the two countries and provide funds according to the priorities of the Nepal government. The Chinese NGOS will extend all possible cooperation to Nepali NGOS and SWCN for effective implementation of Nepal’s policies and developmental activities.