Author: space4knews

Summary: Chinese President Xi Jinping described the China-US relationship as more than just a partnership, calling it ‘co-development’ during his summit with American President Donald Trump. In their formal meeting, Xi presented Trump with a stark choice between conflict and cooperation, stating, “You must decide whether to align with us or confront us.” The Chinese side interprets Trump’s visit as a marker of the inevitable decline of American dominance and China’s rise to global power.

“Conceal your capabilities and wait for the appropriate moment. China should neither seek leadership prematurely nor wave the flag in quest of dominance.” Forty years ago, Deng Xiaoping, leading an economically weak China with 700 million impoverished people, gave similar advice to his successors. Times have dramatically changed: China has now reached a stage where others recognize its power, civilization, and ideological superiority on the world stage. At least, the sentiments expressed by China’s top leader during this summit confirm this reality.

Upon becoming General Secretary of the Communist Party in 2012, Xi Jinping emphasized that “the great rejuvenation is the Chinese dream of the modern era.” Dr. Sun Yat-sen had earlier conceived this idea at the start of the 20th century, interpreting the restoration of China’s economic stability and dignity, following colonial devastation, as a form of rejuvenation. About a century later, Chiang Ching-kuo tried to turn this into a national objective, while current leader Xi Jinping has added the concept of the “Chinese Dream” to inspire national pride.

There is another aspect to this slogan: a transformation from China’s subjugation under the Opium Wars, British colonialism, and subsequent imperialist exploitation to a nation now claiming global leadership. The term “China Dream” was first used by former People’s Liberation Army Colonel Liu Mingfu in his 2010 book China Dream: Great Power Thinking and Strategic Posture in the Post-American Era. Liu’s core thesis was that China has a century-long aspiration for global leadership, not just economically but also militarily, aiming to surpass America.

At a time when Deng Xiaoping’s era marked an emphasis on effective, peaceful diplomacy, Liu’s propositions, though dismissed by many serious scholars, have resonated within Chinese society, influencing the Communist Party’s strategic, economic, and technical successes.

When tensions escalate and America fails to address China’s concerns, Xi warned Trump in the formal meeting, “We are ready to fight. The choice to cooperate or confront us is yours.” This challenge was witnessed by senior officials from both countries. Subsequently, Chinese diplomats and ambassadors embraced the “Wolf Warrior” style of diplomacy—a more assertive and sometimes aggressive approach, named after a popular Chinese film released in 2015, though the style was adopted soon after Liu’s book in 2010. This approach has occasionally been felt even in Nepal.

China appears to signal that the world is witnessing a disturbance likened to a “once-in-a-century upheaval” in the global balance of power, demanding dominant powers to make way. Such disruptions began after World War I when America replaced Britain as the world’s preeminent economic, cultural, military, and ideological force. China believes that once it assumes America’s position, this current cycle of upheaval will conclude. Trump’s visit reinforces the legitimacy of China’s claim.

Prior to this visit, the US seemed entrapped by a web of decisions. European NATO members and Canada expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies; meanwhile, leaders from Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and Spain had visited China seeking trade benefits. Except for Japan, other countries improved ties with China, distancing themselves from previous American influence.

The wars in Iran tested American power. The shift of weapons and military presence from the Indo-Pacific to the Gulf favored China in the power balance. NATO members also declined Trump’s requests to open the Strait of Hormuz. America’s inability to control a weaker Iran exposed limitations. Simultaneously, Obama-era strategies focusing on China within the Indo-Pacific and imposed trade and technological restrictions have ultimately strengthened rather than weakened China, which has advanced towards technological parity with the US and experienced unprecedented economic and military development.

Chinese social media users nicknamed Trump the “China Dream Maker,” reflecting the belief that his policies facilitated China’s development and shifted global power balances. Other nicknames like “Comrade Trump” and “China’s patriotic son” were sarcastically used, highlighting China’s growing conviction that the primary world power is no longer America, but China.

Following Trump’s visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit is expected to reinforce this narrative. China’s goal seems to be establishing itself as the most powerful nation and validating its traditional belief in being the “center of the world”. (However, not everyone in China shares this view; dissent and alternative perspectives do exist.)

Xi openly stated: “It is more appropriate to describe China-US relations as co-development rather than merely a partnership. Both countries respect each other’s internal needs and aspire to cooperate where possible. They adjust relations in a timely manner to reduce conflict.” Henry Kissinger, a sharp and experienced diplomat involved in the early stages of China-US relations in the 1970s, wrote that “it would benefit China and the US to manage their internal pressures and pursue a path that diminishes conflict.” It may still take decades to see if the hopeful future of China-US relations becomes reality rather than wishful thinking.

Whether China can become the world’s leading power peacefully or whether conflict with the US is inevitable remains uncertain. However, Xi’s remarks during his first formal meeting with Trump last week carry deep meaning and hint at the unavoidable intentions of both powers. Despite recent tensions, economic dependence remains. Issues like restrictions on high-tech exports, the transfer of TikTok’s ownership, arrests of Chinese researchers and scientists, bans on Huawei, and other points of contention persist.

This week’s visit by President Donald Trump marks a historic turning point, symbolizing America’s active decline and China’s ascent atop global power rankings. Under pressure, America is also urging China to end joint space research. Tensions continue in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific regions. China has been accused of supplying weapons to Iran and supporting Iranian oil and Venezuela. China accuses the US of escalating the conflict by arming Taiwan, with Taiwan Acts and Tibet Acts further heightening tensions.

If tensions remain and the US fails to address China’s concerns, Xi formally warned Trump, “We are ready to fight you. You must decide whether to align with us or confront us.” This challenge was delivered in front of senior officials from both countries. Xi also questioned, “Can China and America avoid the Thucydides Trap and reshape great power relations? The Taiwan issue is a critical matter; mishandling it could lead to major conflict. We believe America’s aspiration for greatness and China’s dream of great rejuvenation can coexist.”

The concept of the “Thucydides Trap” implies that conflict between a rising power and an established declining power is inevitable. Xi’s statement, “You must decide whether to cooperate or confront us,” is essentially a declaration of China’s victory and America’s defeat. It may take years for America and the world to accept this reality. The possibility exists for numerous proxy and regional conflicts that could escalate into larger wars. Nonetheless, there is hope that both nations will expand their influence peacefully.

In conclusion, history is not always accidental; events are often causally linked. Sometimes, unforeseen moments allow for de-escalation. Trump’s recent China visit has become a significant event marking the decline of the American empire and China’s rise to global supremacy. His visit arrangements and Xi’s declarations have turned this century-defining change into a cause for celebration. Though some skeptics find it difficult to accept, the peoples of both countries and the world have welcomed it enthusiastically. Our prior belief that “such events are rare” has now been proven wrong.

6 Jestha, Kathmandu – In a preparatory match for the Asian Games qualifiers and ACC Premier Cup, the home team Malaysia won the toss and chose to bat first against Nepal. Consequently, Nepal will commence the game with bowling.

The Asian Games qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Malaysia from May 23 to 31, followed by the Premier Cup from June 1 to 13. Ahead of the Asian Games qualifiers, Nepal has arranged a preparatory match against Malaysia, with the next game scheduled for May 22 against Malaysia.

Following the visit of US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin reached Beijing late Tuesday evening as part of his state visit. According to the Kremlin, he will discuss “important and sensitive issues” between Russia and China. This is Putin’s first foreign trip of 2026, arriving in Beijing after President Trump’s visit to China.

During Trump’s visit, he and President Xi discussed a wide range of topics including the Iran conflict and trade, signaling the significance China holds for Russia. Amid Western sanctions, Beijing remains Russia’s key partner and its largest oil buyer. Putin aims to further strengthen this relationship. A major priority of his visit is to inspect a new pipeline capable of delivering 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China. Putin is among many global leaders who have recently visited Beijing to expand trade ties.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Putin’s visit as important for deepening bilateral relations and promoting stability and positive momentum in the global situation. Upon his nighttime arrival, Putin was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military honor guard. This marks Putin’s 25th official trip to China. Officials from both sides have not publicly disclosed specific topics for the meeting between Xi and Putin, but some key issues are expected to be discussed. Despite sanctions imposed by Western countries in recent years, trade between the two nations continues to grow stronger.

The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which is expected to be built after years of stalled talks, will transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China. This project will play a crucial role in securing China’s energy supply, particularly during crises such as those involving the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine are also likely, highlighting Russia’s reliance on China for continuing its military campaign through dual channels and drone-related supplies from Chinese exports. China officially maintains a policy of seeking peaceful resolution to conflicts through dialogue.

Putin’s brief two-day itinerary is densely packed. Following a grand welcome ceremony at Central Square in Beijing, the schedule includes bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and their respective delegations, during which various agreements will be signed. A joint statement on “strengthening strategic cooperation” will be issued. Putin is scheduled to meet a Chinese engineer he met during his childhood. Talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang are also planned. Putin and Xi will attend a photo exhibition on Russia-China relations, take part in an evening banquet, and conclude with a tea meeting to continue discussions.

US President Donald Trump claimed that the ongoing tensions with Iran will be resolved soon and asserted that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. Trump revealed that although the US was prepared to launch a major attack on Iran, this was postponed at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran’s foreign currency exchange company and 19 vessels. Kathmandu, June 6.

According to the US president, the war with Iran will end shortly. He stated that Iran is willing to negotiate and is weary of the ongoing tension, emphasizing that under no circumstances will Iran be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking at a session with lawmakers at the White House, Trump said, “We are preparing to end this war soon. They want to make a deal and they are tired of the tension.”

Although Iran remains focused on its nuclear program, Trump reiterated that the US will not allow the development of nuclear weapons. His remarks came during discussions in the US Senate regarding the ‘War Powers Resolution’ aimed at limiting the President’s authority to wage war against Iran. The Republican-majority Senate voted on Tuesday to advance the proposal.

Trump disclosed that the US had planned a large-scale strike against Iran, but postponed it after appeals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to allow for negotiation. He also warned that new military action could occur on Friday, Saturday, or early next week. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Fazelkar stated that uranium enrichment is Iran’s right and that the country will not succumb to any pressure.

6 Jestha, Kathmandu – The House of Representatives is scheduled to hold its meeting today at 11:00 AM. During Monday’s session, discussions were held on the principles and priorities of the upcoming fiscal year’s appropriation bill, excluding tax proposals. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle responded to queries raised during these discussions. The debate on the proposal has been ongoing since Monday. On the meeting held on Baishakh 31, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle had presented the principles and priorities of the bill.

The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has stated that it is actively working on developing an action plan by prioritizing improvements to the health insurance program. According to the Health Insurance Board, the estimated amount owed to hospitals providing services under the health insurance scheme exceeds NPR 2.336 billion. “Last year’s budget allocation was NPR 1 billion, and this time there is a possibility of allocating NPR 1.2 billion. This could provide some relief. We are working on clearing the backlog of outstanding payments to hospitals and implementing both immediate and long-term reforms,” said Ministry Secretary Bikash Devkota. “Hospitals are primarily requesting payments of the amounts due. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance. Once payments are made promptly, health services will continue without disruption,” he added.

The Health Insurance Board also confirmed that hospitals have demanded payments and are in talks with the ministry. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital has reported that it has halted services under the insurance program due to non-payment. Other hospitals, including Patan Health Science Institute and Ganglal Heart Center, along with various others nationwide, are facing difficulties due to delayed payments. The health insurance system, established nearly a decade ago, allows individuals to pay an annual premium of NPR 3,500 for coverage of up to five family members, providing free treatment up to NPR 100,000.

The ministry is actively working to make health insurance services more accessible to hospitals. At a recent program at Bir Hospital, Health Minister Nisha Mehta informed that intensive discussions are underway on how to make health insurance simpler and more user-friendly. She stated, “Health insurance is a complex system. Serious discussions are ongoing to simplify it, and we will share updates soon.” According to Secretary Devkota, the health insurance act mandates mandatory inclusion of all formal sectors, but this has not yet been fully implemented. By preventing unnecessary or duplicate treatments, monthly claims could be reduced by more than half. Therefore, the ministry is finalizing an action plan.

Ministry spokesperson Sameer Kumar Adhikari said, “The action plan will be announced soon. It will focus on how to ensure sustainable financial management and regular payments to hospitals.” He added, “We are reviewing the services included within the insurance packages, discussing which basic government services to integrate with insurance services or keep separate. Negotiations with relevant ministries regarding resource management are ongoing.”

Executive Director of the Nepal Health Insurance Board, Shakuntala Prajapati, identified delayed large payments to hospitals as the primary issue. “Hospitals are complaining about not receiving payments. If the claims were settled on time, health services would have been uninterrupted,” Prajapati noted. The board collects around NPR 400 million annually from premiums, yet monthly claims can reach between NPR 200 million and NPR 250 million. Annual payment claims have reached NPR 2.5-3 billion. After last year’s budget was approved, claims were reviewed. Despite claims being reviewed until the end of Kartik in the fiscal year, NPR 690 million in payments remained outstanding. For the fiscal year 2082/83 from Mangsir to Asar, the estimated required amount is NPR 1.347 trillion, and the total estimated amount needed is approximately NPR 2.336 billion, the board reported. Though about 10 million Nepalese are enrolled in the health insurance program, only 6 million are active members.

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital officially withdrew from the health insurance program in Poush of last year. Various other small and large hospitals are also facing issues due to lack of timely payments. The board states that currently, 510 health institutions are affiliated with the health insurance program, including 441 government hospitals, 39 private hospitals, and 30 community hospitals. Doctor Pawan Sah mentioned that the teaching hospital sent a letter to the board stating it is unable to provide services to patients under the insurance due to non-payment. “We had to cease operations, so we sent a letter to immediately terminate the program,” he said. Assistant Information Officer Kaliprasad Rosyar reported that the hospital claims approximately NPR 510 to 520 million from the board, but due to the absence of meetings and unresolved issues, the situation persists. He said, “The problem has been escalated from the minister to the prime minister, but there has been no response so far, and no necessary funds have been allocated. The program remains suspended.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin describe their nearly four-decade-long leadership relationship as one of closest friendship. Russia is China’s largest trading partner, and over 90 percent of the restricted technologies Russia imports come from China. Although there is no formal alliance, China and Russia maintain a strategic partnership driven by shared borders, economic complementarity, and opposition to the West.

Kathmandu, April 18 – Last September, while walking through Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussed the potential of human organ transplantation to extend life spans. Putin’s interpreter remarked, ‘Human organs can be transplanted continuously. The longer you live, the younger you become, potentially reaching immortality.’ Xi’s interpreter responded, ‘Some predict that in this century, people could live up to 150 years.’

This rare glimpse revealed the depth of their partnership. Putin is set to return to Beijing this week for the 25th anniversary of the “Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation” treaty. Last week, US President Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping with lavish banquets featuring gold tableware and visits to ancient temples. In contrast, Putin’s visit appears more understated, and little advance information has been released.

Kremlin spokespeople hoped for direct insights following the Trump-Xi meeting. Reports indicate that Xi mentioned his friend Putin during talks at Zhongnanhai last week. During the normally closed session, Xi noted that Putin had previously visited this political sanctuary in Beijing. However, Washington’s hopes of driving a wedge between China and Moscow remain unlikely. In recent years, China and Russia have described their relationship as a boundless friendship.

According to Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Eurasia Program, the relationship is unequal, with agreements often on China’s terms. He stated, “Russia is entirely under China’s influence, and China can impose its conditions.” This imbalance is evident in many sectors. Russia accounts for only 4 percent of China’s international trade. China exports to Russia more than to other nations, and its economy significantly surpasses Russia’s. Western sanctions have gradually pushed Moscow closer to Beijing commercially. For example, following US sanctions and British review, Huawei exited the UK’s 5G network but capitalized on Western companies’ absence to become a mainstay in Russia’s telecommunications industry.

Russia is fully aware of the risks posed by this imbalance. Dmitry Trenin, chairman of the Russian International Affairs Council, has written that Russia does not want to become subordinate to anyone. Speaking on China, he said, “Equality must be maintained, and Russia is a great power that cannot be a junior partner.” Moscow has limited alternatives to Beijing, as China provides critical demand and markets essential for Russia’s survival. If China reduces trade amidst worsening Western relations, Russia’s foreign policy would face complications. However, Moscow’s advantage lies in maintaining a firm stance to avoid yielding to Beijing’s pressure.

Marcin Kaczmarski, associate professor of security studies at the University of Glasgow, observes significant imbalance between China and Russia and notes China aims to avoid provoking resistance. He states, “China is not oppressing Russia but behaving in a balanced manner.” This is partly because Russia is a self-aware, proud nation. Gabuev adds that despite Chinese attempts to exert pressure, Russia is not a country to yield immediately. In 2023, during Xi’s visit to Moscow, he urged Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Days later, Russia announced deployment of nuclear arms in Belarus, signaling a reminder of its sovereignty to the world. While the prolonged war in Ukraine may hold Russia accountable, it also represents a strategic asset for Beijing, which is considering a potential attack on Taiwan. Gabuev notes, “Russia can contribute by selling military technology and equipment and assisting China in testing them.” Russia also possesses substantial energy resources strategically important to China. In May, Putin announced significant progress in oil and gas sectors. News emerged that Russian Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation signed preliminary agreements on the long-pending Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. Once completed, this pipeline will deliver 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas through Mongolia to China, altering the dynamics. Amid crises in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian energy access is a success for China, ensuring not only affordability but also internal energy security amidst increasing global instability.

Not an Alliance but a Strategic Partnership: Despite disagreements, the true nature of the China-Russia relationship is that neither follows the other, as it is not a formal alliance. Bob Loh, former Australian Deputy Head of Mission, says, “Strategic flexibility has made this partnership stronger.” He adds, “This is not an alliance but an evolving strategic partnership that has survived challenges to maintain its existence.” Western analysts often view the Sino-Russian relationship either as an “axis of authoritarianism” united by a shared desire to confront the West or a fragile fraternity likely to fracture. Both perspectives fail to capture the relationship’s depth and complexity.

Although there are imbalances and disagreements, shared interests prevail. According to Bob Loh, even if relations with the West improve, many common grounds remain for these two. The main reason is their 4,300-kilometer shared border, which has been a focal point of disputes. Additionally, their complementary economies and opposition to American dominance in global governance bind them.

On how long this “love affair” will last, a Chinese analyst, speaking anonymously, said that their publicly displayed closeness is only partial—a performance to convey unity and stability. Unlike Western sanctions and penalties over differing values like human rights, Russia and China avoid criticizing each other. Despite Western concerns over China’s Xinjiang human rights abuses and Russia’s opposition figure Navalny’s death, Moscow and Beijing dismiss these issues. Gabuev remarks, “They don’t criticize each other over Xinjiang or Navalny’s poisoning and murder and agree on many matters at the UN. This creates a biological and symbiotic relationship.”

The two countries have a long tradition of cooperation. Gabuev notes, “This pragmatic partnership began in the late 1980s and found similar behavior in China.” Regarding the longevity of this “love affair,” the Chinese analyst says their relationship’s public front is partial and intended to project unity and stability but ultimately is a political tool to resolve interest-based conflicts.

Both governments oppose Western supremacy but differ in approach. Analysts note Russia wants to completely remove American influence globally, while China favors restraint and long-term outcomes. China’s caution over US moves in Iran and the continuity of Trump’s visit preparations confirm this. China still seeks dialogue with Washington to avoid unnecessary tensions, a stance distinct from Russia’s.

Although this partnership is often viewed geopolitically and from a security lens, another key factor is the depth of social ties. At the highest levels, Putin and Xi have consistently sought to display unparalleled friendship. This will be Putin’s 25th visit to China, enhancing interactions between Russian and Chinese officials.

Former British diplomat Charles Parton expresses skepticism about cultural closeness between Chinese and Russian citizens. He says that despite growing imbalance, this reveals long-term weaknesses but expects this relationship is unlikely to break soon. He comments, “Chinese people don’t want to study, live, or buy property in Moscow—they prefer places like Paris, London, or Cyprus.” He believes Russians prefer investing outside China.

However, Gabuev argues that Western sanctions and European visa policies have pushed Russians toward China, accelerating people-to-people contact. Traveling to China has become easier for Russians, with visa-free arrangements and daily flights reaching major cities in hours. Western sanctions have led Russians to increasingly use Chinese phones and cars. Gabuev says, “Exchanges, visa-free travel, payment systems, and navigation have brought China closer than before. Joint research and scholarship programs are further integrating the two societies.”

Despite growing imbalance revealing potential long-term vulnerabilities, the relationship is unlikely to break soon. Despite differences, Bob Loh states, “The China-Russia partnership is flexible. Both sides agree it is important to ensure this partnership does not fail, especially given the lack of viable alternatives.”

Chief Justice Dr. Manojkumar Sharma was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Paudel. The Constitutional Council had decided to appoint Sharma, who was ranked fourth among the six candidates recommended by the Judicial Council. The Nepal Bar Association and others have protested the recommendation of Sharma, citing violations of seniority.

Dr. Manojkumar Sharma, approved through parliamentary hearing, is set to assume office today. According to Supreme Court spokesperson Arjun Koirala, Sharma took his oath from President Ram Chandra Paudel. The Constitutional Council’s decision to recommend Sharma, breaking from the traditional seniority order, has raised concerns about the judiciary’s independence and transparency.

The most senior judge in the Supreme Court is Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, who was expected to be appointed Chief Justice based on seniority. The government had issued a relevant ordinance regarding the Constitutional Council, creating an environment for the prime minister to easily approve his preferred candidate.

The ordinance included provisions allowing three members of the six-member Constitutional Council to make decisions unilaterally. Following the issuance of this ordinance, the Constitutional Council convened and recommended Sharma’s name. Opposition leaders, including Bhismraj Angdembe, leader of the main opposition party, and Narayan Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly, voiced their disagreement with the recommendation of Sharma.