The Chinese of today do not talk about petty ambitions. But in the case of Nepal, it seems that now there is an understanding that relations should be looked at from small things. Within a few years of President Xi Jinping's coming to power, Nepal and China had become historically close amid the then-developed developments, especially in Nepal.

The earthquake of 2072 and the Indian blockade that followed led Kathmandu to a trade and transit agreement with Beijing. After about a decade of that, things were to be more. The issue of the Trans Himalayan train, which was much talked about at the beginning, seems to be more and more uncertain as time goes by. Many other big projects as thought at that time have not been implemented. In a recent informal conversation on this topic, an experienced scholar from Sichuan University told me with the help of a Chinese saying - 'The longer the hang, the higher the kite can fly.' So what is happening in Nepal, which is a supporter of the important treaty and the Belt and Road ie BRI? Has China slowed down in bilateral cooperation? Based on the opinion of that expert and some recent Chinese activities, it seems that there has been some strategic change.

The balance of ambition

In China, the saying "two steps forward, one step back" is often used. This call for balance of ambition is often repeated by the Chinese. This metaphorical saying says that if the expected success is not achieved in a big goal, looking back after a step, a different situation can be seen. While pursuing a goal, Eknas not only makes progress, but obstacles come as well. The environment also changes. But even taking a step back is a step forward.

In order to show this sentiment, 14 small trade channels to China, which were closed during the Covid epidemic a year ago, were opened. Details are coming in which are being evaluated for the preparation of opening seven more checkpoints. 'Silk Roadster' under BRI has been launched to expand people-to-people relations in Nepal. China is promoting 2025 as the year to visit Nepal. Even if we are to believe the words of the Chinese scholars who have been coming to Kathmandu lately, it seems that their strategy has changed. Even before Covid, in the assembly meetings held in Nepal, they used to show an imaginary map of the Nepal-China railway and discuss the transformation it would bring, which has disappeared nowadays. In an event held recently in Kathmandu, a senior scholar who is in a position to advise the Chinese state apparatus discussed the level of people across the Himalayas by calling it 'Himalayanism' without touching on railways and trade. The Chinese do not see religion as a strong point. But at that time, the professor mentioned the path of monks in history and explained how the bilateral relations have been connected since before the process of state formation. She spoke about ancient Tibetan monasteries, from Mansarovar to Lumbini, Boudhanath and Swayambhu.

At one time, the Chinese thought that the people-to-people relationship with Nepal could never be like that of India-Nepal. That is still the opinion of many. Which will not change for at least a few years or decades. But China's 'soft power' has started to be understood to be getting stronger, albeit slowly. An example of this is that in hundreds of schools in Nepal, students start learning at least basic Chinese manners from the primary level. Chinese and Nepali all-time literature are currently being translated into each other's languages. And, the most important thing is to make people-to-people relations viable through small Himalayan passes. The provision of commuting up to 30 kilometers on both sides using local passes is a strong proof of that. In geopolitical terms, the sensitivity of Tibet is on one side. But Beijing understands that it will be more productive if people-to-people relations are weakened. 

Chinese experts emphasize that they should increase the investments they are making in small infrastructures in the 15 Himalayan districts bordering China. Many of these northern passages are religious, cultural and traditional trade bridges. The Himalayan border is the heartbeat of the Beijing-Kathmandu relationship. 

valuable point : Urai Banjang 

Urai Pass is located in the bowl-like place of Bajhang district in the northwestern corner of Nepal's map. The worship of Lagamadu, Mashtamadu and other monasteries is not complete without the water of Tibetan Mansarovar. Many Madus (monasteries) in Far West and Karnali have similar tradition. That tradition did not start today. In the Vedic Purana Manaskhanda, it is mentioned that a group of Khasa Aryas came to present day Nepal using the Urai pass. Similarly, even during the Ramayana period, there are legends that this legendary route was used in the Haridwar-Mansarovar journey. Even in the last century, salt and wool were traded and the road was used as a religious road. At present, the local trade in Taklakot, the market on the other side of Tibet, is dominated by Bajhangis. But all these are insignificant in terms of the specific possibilities and capabilities of that path.

Now the work of construction of Chainpur-Taklakot road is going on. That is the shortest route to Mansarovar via Dhangadhi-Dipayal-Chainpur-Urai Bhanjyang. Tibet is connected to India through the middle of Far Western Province. As such, there is an opportunity for Hindus, Buddhists and Bon followers who have a population of millions to take a once-in-a-lifetime rare legendary route. Recently between India and China  The

appears to be a hopeful attempt to mend the relationship while resolving their boundary issues. One of its main points is to facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. In that sequence, the Nepali leadership should carefully look at the possibility of Nepal being neglected. 

Everyone's winning game 

Due to the bitterness of history and geopolitics, India and China are not generally expected to cooperate easily. But the characteristic of the religious and cultural aspect is that it has the power to connect everyone. Why does Nepal, which always keeps itself neutral in the international geopolitical game, not take the leadership of this concept and bring it into the debate? Ever since Xi Jinping came to power, China's priority has been envisioning a multi-faceted trans-Himalayan relationship connecting India through Nepal. Indian Prime Minister Modi's priority has always been in favor of an environment that allows millions of Hindus to make pilgrimages easily. 

Even now, millions of Indian and Nepalese pilgrims are reaching Mansarovar through Hilsa and Kerung of Nepal and Nathula Pass of India as a difficult and expensive journey. But if the same thing is given a systematic and professional form, it will strengthen the tripartite emotional relationship at the public level. The religious-cultural journey to the peaceful highlands from the lap of mountains like Api and Saipal will make it the most attractive destination in the world for the pilgrims of Vedic Sanatan followers. But the main thing is that Nepal's leadership, leading diplomatic ability and resource management along with the plan to take India and China into confidence are indispensable.