Following China’s publication of an expanded territorial map, Nepal’s government has stressed the importance of respecting its own map, which received unanimous approval from the federal Parliament in 2020. In response to inquiries about China’s “standard map” released on August 28, a spokesperson from Nepal’s Foreign Ministry firmly stated that it is imperative for both neighboring countries and the global community to honor Nepal’s map.
The Ministry reiterated Nepal’s unwavering position on its political and administrative map and expressed its commitment to resolving boundary disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.
The recently unveiled Chinese map has garnered attention in Kathmandu due to its omission of the Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura areas from Nepali territory. Nepal’s own map, unveiled in May 2020, includes these areas, which are reportedly within India’s territory. Notably, Kathmandu introduced its map a few months after India released its own version, which incorporated these contested regions.
China’s map, released on Monday, asserts claims over India’s Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of its own territory.
Pressure had been mounting on Nepal’s government to address the issue, as the Chinese map contradicted Nepal’s historical map. Five countries, including India, have raised objections to China’s map.
