BIKASH KARKI |
China feels intimidated by the unrest in Nepal as it knows Nepal's geopolitical position might be used against her. China's priority now is to maintain internal security by fighting against the West's idea of 'Free Tibet'. It has been reported that the Chinese President Hu Jintao asked Pushpa Kamal Dahal on whose suggestion he resigned from the premiership last year.
India's focus is to expand its influence in the region. But it has not recognised that the regional and international power equations have shifted because of the rise of China.
The American ambassador has recognised the role of these two countries. "India and China should play roles in ending the current political deadlock," was his recommendation. His other message was, "I am already in the region and you cannot go against the will of Washington."
Washington has shown interest in South Asia recently. In the strategic document 'Vision 2020', the US has clearly said South Asia will be a major interest in the years to come. Washington's reading is that India has already lost influence in the region and it should accept this fact. Barack Obama, during his Beijing visit, said that China should play a role in mediating in Kashmir. Delhi duly objected.
The recent events in Nepal have demonstrated that India has fallen into the pit that it dug for others. India got the political parties to sign a 12-point agreement, and hoped to bring Nepal under its umbrella, as it has Sikkim and Bhutan. The failure of this plan has exposed India to the world, and it is now under tremendous pressure from international power players to be transparent.
Nepal is turning into a battlefield for international heavyweights, for which our political leaders are setting the stage. The last week saw diplomats meeting with leaders, and leaders inviting them for consultations. Diplomatic decorum has been reduced to zero. Leaders are waiting for 'orders', weighing up which are the most profitable to them. But neither India, China or the US will give up jockeying for influence in Nepal.