KATHMANDU, Sept 23: Stating that the buildings constructed by the Chinese side along a Nepal-China border point in Humla district are situated on the Chinese side of the border, the Embassy of China in Kathmandu has asked Nepali authorities to verify the border points as agreed between the two countries in the past.
The response from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu comes amid media reports that the Chinese side allegedly built several buildings on the Nepali side of the border. "The buildings mentioned in the media have been verified to be on the Chinese side of the China-Nepal border. The Nepali side may make verification again," a spokesperson at the Embassy of China in Kathmandu said on Wednesday.
Denying encroachment of Nepali territory, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson also said that there are no territorial disputes whatsoever between Nepal and China. "China and Nepal have no territorial disputes. The two sides have always maintained close communication on border affairs," the spokesperson further said. "China and Nepal are friendly neighbors. China has always respected Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Sept 24: Republica Morning Brief
The disputed area lies in Lampcha village of Namkha Rural Municipality in Humla district. Locals said Chinese border security forces have reportedly constructed at least 11 buildings in the area claimed both by Nepal and China.
Local government officials and political leaders said the dispute between Nepal and China surfaced after Pillar Number 11 that defined the Nepal-China boundary went missing several years ago. Although local authorities in Nepal constructed a road and used the area as pastures for sheep, the territory was claimed by both the sides after the border pillar went missing.
On Tuesday, a Nepali delegation led by Chief District Officer of Humla had reached the area to talk to Chinese officials. Chinese security personnel had returned them saying that the land falls on the Chinese side of the border. They also reportedly said that they could hold talks on the basis of facts and evidence.
