China hails Nepal's new Constitution as 'historic'

BEIJING: China today welcomed Nepal's Constitution, describing it as "a historic progress in the political transition of the country", months after India had pressed Nepal to address concerns of the Madhesis under the new statute to make it broad-based and acceptable to all.

China's statement welcoming Nepal's new Constitution comes during the ongoing maiden visit to China by Prime Minister K P Oli who left Beijing for the Boao Summit in Hainan Province.

"The Chinese side welcomed the promulgation of the Constitution in Nepal and regarded it as a historic progress in the political transition of Nepal," said a joint statement issued at the end of talks between Oli and Chinese leaders.

China expressed "sincere hope that Nepal could take this opportunity to realise its political stability and economic development".

"The bilateral relations maintained the momentum of healthy development on the basis of the Five Principle of Peaceful Coexistence, which sets a model of harmonious coexistence between the countries of different sizes and social system," the joint statement said.

"The two sides reiterated their firm commitment to respect each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect and accommodate each other's concerns and core interests," according to the joint statement.

When Nepal promulgated its new Constitution on September 20, India had asked the country to resolve differences over the new charter through dialogue free from violence which would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance.

"Throughout the process of Constitution-making in Nepal, India has supported a federal, democratic, republican and inclusive Constitution. We note the promulgation in Nepal today of a Constitution," India had said taking note of the development.

Madhesis, who are largely of Indian-origin, organised a nearly six-month violent protest campaign also imposing a trade blockade with India over the newly-promulgated Constitution which they said discriminated against them.

They only withdrew the campaign that crippled essential supplies to the Himalayan nation and left over 50 people dead, after the Constitution was amended to include their participation in government institutions in proportion to their population and fresh delineation of electoral constituencies.