Attending the anti-Japan parade in Beijing

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, during his China trip, plans to attend a ceremony on September 3 in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event will include a military parade and other commemorative activities that Japan views as carrying anti-Japanese overtones. Nepal’s participation at the top political level has sparked controversy, given the country’s historically close ties with Tokyo.

First participation by a Nepali prime minister

This is the first time Nepal is sending its top political leader to such an event abroad. President Ramchandra Paudel had declined the invitation to avoid straining diplomatic relations with Japan, highlighting the sensitive nature of Oli’s decision to attend the parade this year.

Japan-China tensions over historical interpretation

China and Japan have been engaged in a long-standing dispute over the narrative of World War II history. Japan reportedly requested other countries to avoid attending China’s commemorative events, warning that the parade and ceremonies could present a one-sided version of history. Nepal’s attendance places it in the middle of this diplomatic friction, attracting both international and domestic attention.

Balancing Nepal’s diplomatic relationships

Nepal faces a diplomatic balancing act between its growing partnership with China and its close ties with Japan. Attending the anti-Japan parade while maintaining friendly relations with Tokyo has been seen as controversial, with analysts questioning how this could affect Nepal’s foreign policy and regional standing.

Wider implications for regional diplomacy

Oli will address the SCO Plus forum and hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other leaders. Besides advocating for Nepal’s observer status in the SCO, he plans to raise issues regarding the Lipulek, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura territories, as well as trade through the Lipulek Pass. The parade adds an additional layer of sensitivity to these discussions, as Nepal navigates regional diplomacy amid China-Japan tensions.

Based on original reporting by Anil Giri.