Word: nepal
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...China has become more powerful, it has boosted its leverage on the world stage. Many nations, especially neighbors, are now reluctant to cross Beijing. India, which once welcomed Tibetan exiles, including the Dalai Lama himself, now restrains Tibetan protesters. Nepal has done the same, sometimes brutally, and has indicated that it will clear and secure the Everest route for the Olympic torch - thereby possibly pre-empting anti-China protests. Twenty years ago, when China was weaker, a boycott might have been possible, since other countries could ignore Beijing. Today, the world needs China, with all its warts, to help solve...
...Beijing has also deployed security officials inside Nepal, presumably to help detect fleeing Tibetans and keep a lid on unrest. Chinese security agents even stopped a reporter and photographer from Agence France-Presse from working inside Nepal three days ago, a small but heavy-handed example of China's reach...
There are other examples. Tourism officials and mountain-climbing companies in Nepal said last week that Beijing has asked Nepal to shut down access to southern climbing routes up Mt. Everest. This year's Olympic torch relay includes a visit to the summit of the world's highest mountain; Chinese authorities recently announced that they are closing their side of Everest - the northern slopes - because of overcrowding and environmental concerns. Most climbers believe the real reason is that China wants to prevent any demonstrations that would mar the event. Last year, climbers unfurled a banner at Everest base camp playing...
China reportedly has asked Nepal to close the mountain in late April and early May, when the torch would be making its ascent. This time period is the high season for climbing in the Himalayas. After originally indicating Nepal was considering China's request, Nepalese officials have since denied receiving it - although an official told a Nepalese newspaper that climbing on Everest may still be curtailed because of complications due to Nepal's upcoming elections. Ang Tsering from the Nepal Mountaineering Association says "no official word has been given by the government." But he estimated a two-week ban would...
China has every right to negotiate and make deals with foreign governments, of course. Mountaineers may protest, but China and Nepal are also within their rights to take such a decision. But it is probably time for Beijing to stop pretending that it doesn't interfere in other countries affairs. With power comes recognizing your own influence, not denying...