External forces creating narrative of debt trap, claims Chinese Embassy in Nepal

Kathmandu . The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has stated that the handful of countries are spreading the illusion of a Chinese debt trap in Nepal.

Answering about the accusations related to Pokhara Airport episode, the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy cleared that the “so-called China made “debt trap” are nothing but a narrative trap created by some forces.”
The narratives aim to disturb and jeopardize China’s cooperation with other developing countries, the statement reads.
It further stated that China is always committed to providing more direct flights from China to Pokhara in the international flights mentioned by the questioner, and charter flights from Chengdu and Kunming to Pokhara have already been implemented.

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson’s Statement on Pokhara International Airport

Pokhara International Airport is an important infrastructure project in China-Nepal cooperation and hailed in Nepal as a project of National honor, which helps Pokhara people realize their dream of owning an international airport for half a century. Pokhara International Airport went into operation from January 1, 2023 and the amount of passengers traffic in 2023 reached 0.9 million far exceeding the designate 0.8 million. As of February 9, the passengers service surpassed 1 million while the passengers traffic of the Pokhara Airport in 2019 was just 0.7 million being at its pick before COVID-19. It speaks volume for the significant contribution of Pokhara International Airport to Nepal tourism and aviation industry.

So called China made “debt trap” are nothing but a narrative trap created by some forces to disturb and jeopardize China’s cooperation with other developing countries. It goes against economic common sense.

According to Nepal Public debt management office, as of July of 2023, the majority of Nepal’s foreign debt including ADB, IMF, which accounts for 88 percent. The bilateral debt only accounts for 12 percent with Japan being the largest creditor country followed by India. China only ranks third. Not a single cooperation partner has accused China of creating “debt traps”. It is handful of countries that have been spreading the fallacy of China’s Debt trap.

On the international Flights, you have mentioned, china has always been committed to have more direct flights from China to Pokhara and charter flights from Chengdu and Kunming to Pokhara have already been implemented. I would like to stress that for some countries rather speaking for the development of tourism and aviation, it is better to join China to have more international flights to Pokhara and provide convenience for airport operation instead of setting obstacles.