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Regional Uncertainty: Nepal Questions China's New Map for Omissions in Border Dispute Zones
Kathmandu, Nepal: In a diplomatic response to China's recent unveiling of its "2023 edition of the standard map," Nepal has called upon all its neighboring countries to honor and respect its 2020 map. This map, approved unanimously by Nepal's parliament in 2020, includes three disputed regions with India: Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura.
Nepal's foreign ministry issued a strong statement asserting the nation's unwavering commitment to its political and administrative map. "Nepal stands firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the parliament of Nepal in 2020. The Government of Nepal unequivocally believes that this map must be respected by our neighbors as well as the international community. Nepal remains committed to resolving the boundary matters through dialogues and diplomacy," the statement read.
The root of Nepal's frustration with China's new map lies in the exclusion of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura from Nepal's borders on the Chinese map. Effectively, China's 2023 map adheres to Nepal's pre-2020 map, which has been a contentious issue between Nepal and India.
Nepal's decision to issue its revised map in May 2020 was prompted by India's inauguration of a road in Lipulekh to facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. This development was perceived by Kathmandu as a challenge to its sovereignty, especially concerning Kalapani, which was already a point of contention following India's inclusion of the region in its new map after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
The situation underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding territorial disputes in the South Asian region. Nepal's call for diplomatic solutions and the respect of its 2020 map signals its commitment to peaceful dialogue in resolving these contentious matters with its neighbors.
As tensions persist, the international community will be closely watching developments in the region, hoping for a peaceful resolution to these long-standing disputes and adherence to diplomatic channels.