Dev Gurung warns of indirect obstruction to BRI projects
He urged the government to treat the court’s decision with seriousness, as it directly impacts infrastructure linked to the northern corridor, which is connected to the BRI framework.
KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) General Secretary Dev Gurung has raised serious concerns that the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal is being obstructed through indirect and procedural means.
Addressing the ‘Nepal–China Economic and Business Summit 2025’ held in Kathmandu on Friday, Gurung expressed apprehension over recent developments that he believes mark the beginning of a deliberate attempt to derail BRI-related infrastructure projects.
He particularly pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision to halt construction work on key road networks that fall within protected national park areas—projects which are categorized under Nepal’s national pride projects.
He urged the government to treat the court’s decision with seriousness, as it directly impacts infrastructure linked to the northern corridor, which is connected to the BRI framework.
Gurung emphasized that such judicial decisions, especially those that cannot be reviewed or appealed, could have long-term implications for Nepal-China bilateral relations. “We must carefully consider the broader consequences of such legal barriers on our strategic partnership with China,” he stated.
He further admitted that several bilateral agreements between Nepal and China have not been implemented primarily due to Nepal’s own internal delays.
Stressing the importance of mutual cooperation, he called for high-priority execution of development projects with speed and commitment.
Highlighting the shifting global political landscape and evolving regional geopolitics, Gurung underscored the need to redefine and deepen Nepal’s ties with China in a strategic and forward-looking manner.
