Nepal: A Land of Peace or a New Battlefield for Superpowers? Explosive Concerns of a Conscious Citizen

Author: Dr. Krishna Prasad Woli

Background: The Pain of Returning and the Ruins of a Dream

Who am I? I am that Nepali who performed the difficult penance of study and research for 7 years within the technology and culture of Japan. I am that Nepali who, after working for 6 years at a prestigious university in the United States, renounced a 'Green Card' to return home with the sacred goal of contributing to my own country. Even if I haven't been able to achieve something extraordinary on my own soil, I am a conscious citizen living by preparing public health materials and sharing the pain of a personal family tragedy.

This return was not easy. I left the clean streets of Japan, the advanced labs of America, and a life of daily convenience to return to Nepal. Why? Because I had a dream in my heart—a Nepal that could look at its children with pride. A Nepal whose name the world views with respect.

But today, when I think of my country's future, my heart grows cold. My eyes well up. Is this the Nepal we envisioned? Is our country truly on a path to preserving its existence, or are we unknowingly becoming a dangerous battlefield for foreign power nations? [1]

Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi!

(Mother and Motherland are greater than Heaven!)

This question is not just mine; it belongs to every patriotic Nepali. Today, through this article, I am sharing my explosive concerns with you—not in favor of any political party, nor against any religious leader or foreign power. I speak merely as an ordinary citizen in whose blood the love for Nepal flows.

Abnormal Activity: A Startling Beginning

Following the political crisis after the recent 'Gen-Z' movement, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Sushila Karki with a single-point mandate to hold House of Representatives elections within six months. After the formation of this government, a new hope was ignited in Nepal. The youth thought—now change will come, corruption will decrease, and national integrity will be strengthened. But immediately after the appointment of this government, an incident occurred that startled me for the first time.

The fact that a congratulatory message from the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, arrived first—as if to a head of state—was not a normal diplomatic matter. [2] Did you notice the gravity of this? In a matter linked to a neighbor's sensitivity, what was this 'silent acceptance' by the interim government signaling?

This incident raised a question in my mind—have we not learned from history? Nepal was always known as a 'Land of Peace.' Our ancestors made the Principles of Panchsheel the foundation of their lives. But today, as the clash between global power nations intensifies, we are caught in the middle. My concern is this: if we cannot protect our sovereignty, what will the coming generation say to us?

January 29: That Mysterious Incident at Tribhuvan Airport

As time passed, suspicions began to prove true. On January 29, 2026, an incident occurred at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu that shook the very roots of Nepal-China diplomatic relations. When Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, a representative of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, landed in Kathmandu, he was welcomed by the Government of Nepal with "Official Diplomatic Protocol" and high security. [3]

Looking at the history of the last 30–40 years, examples of giving "State Honors" or formal security to representatives of the Dalai Lama are extremely rare and exceptional. Past governments, for fear of irritating China, used to keep such visits secret or dismiss them as "purely religious." However, this incident in 2026 crossed those old 'Red Lines.'

I believe this incident was not just a religious visit. It was a signal—that Nepal is taking a new turn in its foreign policy. But is this turn in the right direction or the wrong one? My patriotic heart says—we have already lost our balance. When a small country cannot maintain balance between great powers, its very existence falls into risk.

Pu Yu Hai's Warning and Chinese Outrage

Immediately after this incident, influential Chinese author and intellectual Pu Yu Hai published a serious warning article in 'Dragon Media.' Attacking Nepal's "double character," he argued that giving government honors to the Dalai Lama's representative was an assault on China's sensitivity. He warned in clear words—if Nepal does not stop such activities, it will have to face serious "consequences." [4]

This warning was not just the opinion of one writer, but rather a stern diplomatic message from Beijing. Shortly after, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issued a 'Demarche' to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding an explanation. China has defined this as a "security breach" and a "betrayal of friendship." Some Chinese media outlets have even given symbolic threats that cross-border railways and economic assistance projects could be "reconsidered." [5]

I could not sleep all night after hearing this warning. China is our neighbor, our trading partner, and a supporter of our development. But if we ignore their 'Core Interest' (Tibet), we are hitting our own feet with an axe. My concern is that such incidents are turning Nepal into a 'Buffer State'—one used by power nations according to their own interests.

Interim Government's Immaturity and Violation of Panchsheel

The question arises—why is a government mandated to hold elections within six months working against the "Principles of Panchsheel" and the "One China Policy," which are considered the pillars of Nepal's foreign policy? The main point of Panchsheel is 'non-interference in each other's internal affairs.' [6]

The government has tried to escape by calling this a "technical or administrative error." Although the Ministry of Home Affairs claimed it was unaware, under whose orders were the VIP lounge and government escorting used at the airport? Failing to understand a neighbor's sensitivity at such a critical time is considered "immaturity" in the diplomatic field. This has pushed the "Trust Deficit" with China to an extreme point. [7]

I believe this government has received power from the youth movement. But power means responsibility, not negligence. If we forget Panchsheel, our history will not forgive us.

The 'Proxy War' of Power Nations in Nepal

But this incident is only a beginning. Something else is cooking deep inside. What do the increasing activities of organizations like the Barbara Foundation and the US Embassy Youth Council in Nepal signify? Is Nepal becoming an arena for the power clash between China and the USA? [8]

There is ongoing criticism that people associated with the Barbara Foundation have influence in this government formed after the movement last August. Some analysts have even gone as far as calling it a "shadow government run by Western powers." On the other hand, the US Embassy Youth Council is expanding its network across all 77 districts, targeting 900,000 new young voters.

China feels that these youth networks are being used to bring "pro-Western" forces to power in Nepal, which could add challenges to China's security. [9]

Currently, two styles of power demonstration are happening in Nepal:

1. USA: Wants to establish a hold over the intellectual and youth classes through foundations, the Youth Council, and projects like the MCC.

2. China: Is using "Warning Diplomacy" through coordination with security officials and writers like Pu Yu Hai.

This is a proxy war. And the field is our Nepal. It saddens me to see this—our youth, who shed blood in the Gen-Z movement, are being used by foreign powers for their own interests.

Conclusion: Shall We Wake Up Now or Not?

Successful people in the world, like Bill Gates, often say—"The progress of any country depends on its policy stability." But the increasing activity of external organizations in Nepal has not increased policy stability; it has only increased "polarization."

Our country is no longer just a 'yam between two boulders'; signs suggest it is becoming a geopolitical playground for China and America. The interim government, with its 6-month mandate, is facing the highest external pressure in history. [10]

As a patriotic citizen, I want to ask—are we ready to surrender our sovereignty into the hands of foreigners? Will the upcoming elections on March 5 (Phagun 21) belong to the Nepali people or to foreign powers?

I believe Nepalis will wake up. Our history has taught us—we are a small country, but our self-respect is great. Let us all join together to make this battlefield a garden of peace. May my love for my country never diminish.

Long live the motherland!

Bibliography

[1] Woli, K.P. (2026). Personal reflection on return from abroad and national concern. Explore Ikigai Blog. https://exploreikigai.com/about-myself

[2] Tibetan Review. (2025, September 13). Dalai Lama wishes success for Nepal's interim Prime Minister. https://www.tibetanreview.net/dalai-lama-wishes-success-for-nepals-interim-prime-minister/

[3] myRepublica. (2026, February 5). Visit of Tibetan Buddhist leader draws scrutiny amid China concerns. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/visit-of-tibetan-buddhist-leader-draws-scrutiny-amid-china-concerns-78-73.html

[4] Pu, Y.H. (2026, January 31). Activities Against China in Nepal Are Not Merely Political Dissent; They Are State Policy. Dragon Media. https://eng.dragonmedia.com.np/activities-against-china-in-nepal-are-not-merely-political-dissent-they-are-state-policy/

[5] Peoples' Review. (2026, February 4). Activities against China: Political dissent or state policy? https://mypeoplesreview.com/2026/02/04/activities-against-china-political-dissent-or-state-policy/

[6] Kathmandu Post. (2026, February 11). The Weight of Truth. https://kathmandupost.com/editorial/2026/02/11/the-weight-of-truth

[7] Dragon Media. (2026, February 2). Diplomatic warning or strategic pressure? Madan Regmi's serious message. https://eng.dragonmedia.com.np/diplomatic-warning-or-strategic-pressure-madan-regmis-serious-message-regarding-pu-yu-hais-article-on-china/

[8] Kathmandu Post. (2025, September 24). What you should know about Barbara Foundation. https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/09/24/the-controversy-surrounding-barbara-foundation

[9] Border Lens. (2025, October 3). American hand in Nepal's Gen-Z revolt? https://www.borderlens.com/2025/10/03/american-hand-in-nepals-gen-z-revolt-following-the-money-and-reading-the-signs/

[10] Council on Foreign Relations. (2026). After Gen Z Protests, Bangladesh and Nepal Head to the Polls. https://www.cfr.org/articles/after-gen-z-protests-bangladesh-and-nepal-head-to-the-polls