Q:According to the Nepali media, Thompson, the United States nominee for ambassador to Nepal, said on Wednesday that Nepal’s parliament ratified the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in the face of a PRC [People’s Republic of China] disinformation campaign. What’s your comment on this?

A:We have noted Mr. Thompson's remarks. It is well known that Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact between Nepal and the United States has sparked heated debates in Nepal. The Nepali Parliament specially passed an "interpretive declaration", which declares that the Constitution of Nepal shall prevail over the Compact and other associated agreements and that being a party to the Compact, Nepal shall not be a part of any United States' strategy, military or security alliance including the Indo-Pacific Strategy. These are legitimate actions of the Nepali government and people to defend their sovereignty and independence and safeguard national interests. The remarks of the US side are totally baseless. They have not only slandered China, but also offended Nepal and its people. It is a true “disinformation”. China firmly rejects it.

It is China’s consistent belief that in pursuing international development cooperation, the principle of mutual respect and equality should be upheld, the sovereignty of the country concerned and the will of its people should be fully respected, and there should be no interference in any country’s domestic affairs, no political strings attached, no coercive diplomacy, and certainly no infringement on other countries’ sovereignty and interests for selfish gains. As Nepal’s friendly close neighbor and development partner, China will continue to support Nepal in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national interests and support the Nepali people in choosing independently their own development path and offer support and assistance to Nepal’s socioeconomic development to the best of its capability.