DETAILS OF CHINESE ARMY CHIEF'S NEPAL VISIT

THREE MADESHIBADI PARTY CHIEFS MEETINIG MANMOHAN SINGH

Kathmandu, 19 March: Chiefs of three Madeshbadi parties are holding political discussions on internal Nepal issues with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday in New Delhi before returning home Sunday.
MJF Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachdhar, TMLP Chairman Mahatna Thakur and NSP Chief Rajendra Mahoto are also scheduled to parley with Congress (I) Chairperson Sondia Gandhi Saturday,
They’ll also hold discussions with main opposition leader LK Advani, reports from the Indian capital said.
They collectively held separate discussions Friday with Finance Minister Praban Mukherjee, India’s Congress (I) Foreign Department Chief Dr Karan Singh, main opposition leader Sushma Swaraj, Samajbadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Janata Dal United Chief Sharad Yadav.
Yadav earlier asked Premier Singh to improve deteriorating ties with Maoists.
In a hectic day Friday, the trio also held discussions with Foreign Secretary Nirapama Rao and National Security Advisor Shib Shanker Menon.
A JDU leader, after Yadav/Singh talks has been reported as saying Premier the Indian premier has appointed Menon contact man to hold a dialogue with Maoists to improve ties.
India launched dialogue with political parleys on Nepal’s internal political situation this month by first holding a dialogue with former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa.
Discussions with RPP Chairman Pashupat Shumshere Rana at the
Same time in the Indian capital didn’t get as much attention.
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DETAILS OF RARE CHINESE ARMY CHIEF’S VISIT

Kathmandu, 19 March:A high-level military delegation led by Chief of General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde is arriving next week as part of China’s bid to expand cooperation with Nepal Army. The delegation will announce infrastructural assistance to the tune of 130 million RMB (Rs. 1.42 billion) for upgrading the Army’s hospital in Chhauni and facilitating the purchase of heavy equipment for Directorate of Development and Construction, Phanindra Daahal reports in The Kathmandu Post.

The visit will mark the highest level of military attention from China since Chi Haotian, then vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and Minister of

National Defence visited Nepal in February 2001. Officials have described Gen. Chen’s trip as a “good-will visit” aimed at bolstering ties between the two armies.

“Visits of Army chiefs of neighbouring countries have been taking place. This is a friendly and goodwill visit,” said Nepal Army Spokesperson Ramindra Chhetri. The 15-member delegation will sign two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) including providing logistics worth 100 million RMB for Nepal Army’s Birendra Sainik Hospital in Chhauni and for heavy equipment worth 30 million RMB for the Directorate of Development and Construction.

The Chinese military has prioritised Nepal after the political change of 2006. Urging Nepali authorities to curb anti-Chinese activities and “Free-Tibet” protests has been the topmost concern of visiting Chinese officials.

Nepal has consistently reiterated its commitment to not allow its territory to be used against neighbours.

“The government of Nepal recognises Tibet as an integral part of China. We are committed to a One-China Policy,” said Defence Minister Bishnu Poudel. “We will not allow Nepali soil to be used against any of our neighbours.”

Sino-Nepal military cooperation was limited to exchange of training of soldiers of the two countries and logistical support for the Nepal Army’s Signal Directorate until recent years. More than two dozen Nepali officers visit China every year for different courses including the National Defence Course, a mandatory requirement in senior military ranks. China has been sending military officers to participate in adventure training courses organised by the Nepal Army since 2002.



Members of the Delegation

1. Gen. Chen Bingde: Member of the Central Military Commission, Chief of General Staff of PLA

2. Lt. Gen. Wang Jianping: Commander, the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force

3. Maj. Gen.Yang Jinshan: Tibet Military Command, PLA

4. Maj. Gen. Quian Lihua: Chief of Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defence

5. Maj. Gen. Wang Jin: Deputy Chief of Operations Department, General Staff HQ, PLA

6. Maj. Gen. Zhang Yanling: Chief of Health Department PLA

7. Maj. Gen. Wang Jin: Deputy Chief of Operations Department



Recent High level visits from China:

1. Deputy Commander of Tibet Military Command Maj. Gen. Jin Yiming: Dec. 4-8, 2007

2. Maj. Gen. AI Husheng: 19-23 Nov. 2008

3. Deputy CGS Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian: 06-10 Dec. 2008

4. Commander of Tibet Military Command Lt. Gen. Shu Yutai: 4-7 Dec. 2009

5. Maj. Gen. Jia Xiaoning: 15-19 Dec. 2009

6. Senior Col. Wu Yunzhang: 8-10 March, 2011
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