Nepal-India Border Tense: Security ramped up in Banke district. People gather on streets amid fear and uncertainty. (PTI)
Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt Has China Talking
As violent youth-led protests rock Nepal, China has officially responded. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on all sections of Nepali society to come together and restore peace and stability as soon as possible.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said:
“China believes Nepal’s internal issues can be resolved by all sectors of society. We hope to see social order and national stability restored quickly.”
China also advised its citizens in Nepal to closely monitor the security situation and stay alert.
What Is Happening in Nepal?
Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and several other cities were engulfed in violent protests on Tuesday. The unrest began after the government banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The backlash was swift and intense. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign after massive public outrage. Most protesters were young — part of the so-called Gen Z — who set fire to government offices, party headquarters, and even homes of top political leaders.
By late Monday night, the Nepal Army took control and began flag marches across the capital.
At least 19 people have been confirmed dead, and over 500 others injured in the violence.
India Issues Advisory, Flights Suspended
As the situation spiraled, India issued a travel advisory, urging Indian citizens in Nepal to stay indoors and exercise caution.
Major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet suspended their flights to and from Kathmandu until further notice.
Why Did the Protests Begin?
The unrest was sparked by the government’s decision to shut down access to 26 social media platforms. But the protests quickly evolved beyond just digital censorship.
Gen Z protesters began calling out corruption, nepotism, and the failure of the ruling elite to deliver basic governance.
Protesters say political leaders have been living in comfort while the country suffers from unemployment, inflation, and lawlessness.
Why Was China Silent Until Now?
Beijing’s delayed response raised eyebrows, especially because KP Oli has long been seen as a close ally of China.
Oli’s foreign policy tilted heavily toward China. He signed a key transit treaty with Beijing to reduce Nepal’s dependence on India, supported the China-Nepal Railway project through Tibet, and backed several Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
His recent visit to China to attend the V-Day parade, where he endorsed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), sparked controversy back home. Both initiatives were opposed by Japan and India.
Nepali media and opposition parties harshly criticized Oli’s increasingly China-leaning foreign policy.
Is Nepal Turning Into the Next Sri Lanka?
Many are comparing the situation in Nepal to Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis, when the China-backed Rajapaksa family was ousted after nationwide protests over corruption and economic mismanagement.
Just like the Rajapaksas, Oli had positioned himself as a leader willing to break away from India’s influence. Today, however, he finds himself abandoned by the very public he claimed to empower.
What Happens Now?
Nepal is facing a serious political vacuum. The army is currently maintaining law and order, but no clear political leadership has emerged to take control.
China’s cautious statement signals that Beijing may be stepping back from supporting Oli and instead prioritizing stability over loyalty.
Will Nepal see an interim government? Will China align with new political actors? And how will India respond to the unfolding crisis?
The answers will unfold in the coming days.
