China Invites Nepal to Join International Organisation for Mediation
China has extended a formal invitation to Nepal to become a member of the newly established International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), an initiative aimed at expanding Beijing's diplomatic reach across South Asia beyond its traditional ally, Pakistan.
Launch of the International Organisation for Mediation
The IOMed was officially launched in Hong Kong with participation from 33 founding member countries that signed the convention at the event. The organisation's primary goal is to strengthen China's global influence by fostering multilateral dialogue and promoting peaceful conflict resolution techniques.
Although the full list of member nations has not been published, this new platform symbolizes China's strategic ambition to engage diverse regional partners in South Asia and beyond.
High-Level Discussions Between Chinese and Nepali Officials
During the inauguration ceremony, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, encouraging Nepal to formally join IOMed at the earliest opportunity. Nonetheless, Nepal has yet to commit to membership.
Minister Deuba highlighted in a social media post that the discussions covered multiple facets of Nepal-China relations, including high-level diplomatic exchanges and development cooperation. She further expressed optimism about continuing collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties.
Strategic Importance of Nepal in China's Regional Diplomacy
Wang Yi emphasized the significance of Nepal as a traditional friendly neighbor and an important focus within China's neighborhood diplomacy strategy. Deuba congratulated China on successfully organizing the IOMed signing ceremony and supported the decision to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong.
Pakistan’s Participation and China’s Regional Vision
Pakistan, a close strategic partner of China, has already joined the organisation. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, participated in the signing ceremony.
China's foreign ministry statement noted that Wang Yi affirmed China's commitment to working alongside Pakistan and other nations to provide innovative, voluntary mechanisms for dispute resolution. This initiative aims to offer a new platform dedicated to fostering peace, stability, fairness, and justice, particularly within the Global South.
Implications for South Asia
The formation of IOMed and China's invitation to Nepal reflect Beijing's growing intent to deepen multilateral engagement in South Asia. By promoting a mediation platform under its influence, China seeks to strengthen its role as a regional peace broker and expand its diplomatic leverage.
Key Points:
- The International Organisation for Mediation was launched with 33 founding members.
- China is actively encouraging Nepal to join but Nepal has not yet confirmed.
- Pakistan is a founding member and close Chinese ally in this initiative.
- The platform aims to facilitate peaceful dispute resolution and promote stability across the Global South.
