Beijing breaks silence as Nepal burns. Is China ditching its closest ally in Kathmandu? Who will lead the country now?
China Breaks Silence as Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising Spirals
After days of silence, China has finally responded to the violent unrest shaking Nepal. The Chinese government urged all factions within Nepali society to work together to restore peace and stability quickly.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press briefing on Wednesday:
“We believe Nepal’s internal matters can be handled by all sections of its society. We hope social order and national stability are restored as soon as possible.”
China has also issued an advisory for its citizens in Nepal to stay vigilant amid the escalating violence.
What Sparked the Crisis in Nepal?
Massive protests erupted in Kathmandu and other major cities after the government imposed a sudden ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube.
The decision triggered widespread anger, particularly among young citizens. The movement — led primarily by Gen Z protesters — quickly turned into a full-blown rebellion.
As public outrage intensified, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned late Tuesday. Protesters stormed and torched government buildings, party offices, and even the residences of senior politicians.
By Monday night, the Nepal Army was deployed to regain control, launching flag marches across the capital.
So far, at least 19 people have died, and over 500 have been injured.
India Issues Travel Advisory, Flights Cancelled
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Indian government has urged its citizens in Nepal to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
Major Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu until further notice.
A Protest Beyond Social Media
While the ban on social media was the trigger, protesters say the real issues run much deeper.
Gen Z demonstrators are calling out years of government corruption, nepotism, and failure to provide jobs, affordable living, or basic public services.
One protester told local media:
“The leaders are living in luxury while the youth are unemployed, broke, and angry.”
Why Was China Silent for So Long?
China’s slow response has raised questions, especially given KP Oli’s strong pro-Beijing stance.
During his tenure, Oli signed a landmark transit treaty with China, supported the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and backed the China-Nepal Railway project through Tibet.
Just weeks ago, Oli attended China’s V-Day parade and endorsed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) — moves that drew criticism from both Indian and Japanese governments.
Nepal’s opposition and media accused him of “selling Nepal’s sovereignty” in exchange for Chinese investment and support.
Is Nepal the New Sri Lanka?
Observers are now comparing Nepal’s political meltdown to Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis, where widespread protests over corruption and Chinese debt deals forced the Rajapaksa family out of power.
Like the Rajapaksas, Oli aligned himself with Beijing, hoping to shift Nepal away from India’s sphere of influence. But he now finds himself politically isolated and rejected by the people.
Who’s in Charge Now?
Nepal is in a dangerous political vacuum. The military currently controls the streets, but no clear political leader has emerged to guide the country forward.
China’s cautious tone suggests it may be distancing itself from Oli and instead focusing on maintaining regional stability.
The big questions now are:
- Will Nepal see an interim government?
- Will China support new political players?
- How will India recalibrate its strategy in the region?
Stay Tuned
This story is developing rapidly. As the dust settles in Kathmandu, the world is watching to see who will shape Nepal’s next chapter.
