All Roads Lead North: China, Nepal and the Contest for the Himalayas

India blamed tensions on a newly assertive Nepal deepening relations with China in the June 2020 territorial dispute over Kalapani. This reflects a new reality: the power equations in South Asia have been redrawn to make space for China, with Nepal having long wanted deeper ties with Beijing to counteract India's oppressive intimacy. All Roads Lead North offers a long view of Nepal's foreign relations, underpinned by China's world-power status, and examines the histories binding mountain communities together across the Sino-Nepali border.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The territorial dispute between India and Nepal over Kalapani in June 2020 was marked by tensions and accusations, with India attributing the tensions to Nepal's deepening relations with China. However, this dispute reflects a more significant shift in the power dynamics in South Asia, which has created an opening for China to assert its influence. Nepal's ties with China have deep historical roots dating back to the early first millennium, rooted in Buddhism. While India's unofficial 2015 blockade provided momentum to the rift with Delhi, Nepal has long sought deeper ties with Beijing to counterbalance India's perceived oppressive intimacy. With China's growing regional and global ambitions, Nepal has found a new primary bilateral partner, and Nepalis are forging a path towards modernity with China's assistance, both in the remote borderlands and in the cities.

All Roads Lead North provides a comprehensive and detailed view of Nepal's foreign relations, particularly in the context of China's rising world power status. The book delves into the histories that bind mountain communities across the Sino-Nepali border, sharing never-before-told stories about Tibetan guerrilla fighters, failed coup leaders, and trans-Himalayan traders. Nepal analyst Amish Raj Mulmi conducts a rigorous and comprehensive study of this small country caught between two neighborhood giants. The book combines elements of history, journalism, and research, offering a nuanced and compelling analysis of Nepal's complex relationship with China and its implications for the region.

One of the key themes of All Roads Lead North is the historical and cultural connections between Nepal and China. The book explores how the shared Buddhist heritage and geographical proximity have fostered a strong bond between the two countries, despite their occasional political differences. Mulmi highlights the role of the Himalayas in shaping these connections, as they provide a natural barrier and a common cultural landscape that has facilitated trade, migration, and cultural exchange. The book also discusses the impact of China's economic and development initiatives on Nepal, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and healthcare. China has invested heavily in these sectors, providing loans, grants, and technical expertise to Nepal, which has helped to improve the country's infrastructure and expand access to basic services. However, the book also raises concerns about the potential negative effects of China's presence on Nepal's sovereignty, democracy, and cultural identity. Some critics argue that China's investments and loans have come with strings attached, including demands for political concessions and access to sensitive natural resources. There are also concerns about the impact of Chinese migration and settlement on Nepal's indigenous communities, particularly in the border areas.

Another important aspect of All Roads Lead North is the role of the United States in Nepal's foreign relations. The book discusses the complex and often conflicting interests of the United States and China in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. The United States has been a significant ally of Nepal since its independence, providing financial and military assistance to the country. However, the United States has also been concerned about China's growing influence in the region, particularly its close relationship with Pakistan. The book explores the challenges that Nepal faces in balancing its relations with the United States and China, as well as the potential for conflict between the two powers.

In conclusion, All Roads Lead North is a valuable contribution to the study of Nepal's foreign relations and its relationship with China. The book provides a comprehensive and detailed view of the historical, cultural, and political factors that have shaped Nepal's relationship with China, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities that the country faces in the future. By exploring the complex and multifaceted nature of Nepal's relations with its neighbors, the book offers insights into the broader dynamics of South Asia and the role of China in shaping the region's future.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787385399