Nepal
www.nytimes.com
The article from The New York Times discusses China's encroachment into Nepali territory, particularly in the Humla District along the border with Tibet. Residents of the area report increasing Chinese military presence and the construction of barriers, including a barbed wire fence that separates Nepal from Tibet. This "new Great Wall" is part of China's broader strategy to fortify its borders and assert control over disputed territories. Local Nepalis complain that Chinese security forces pressure them not to display images of the Dalai Lama and restrict their activities, creating a sense of intimidation. Despite these incursions, Nepal's government has largely downplayed the issue due to its economic ties with China and the fear of jeopardizing these relations. A previously conducted fact-finding report revealed several border infringements by China, but the findings were kept secret from the public and even some government officials. The report highlighted issues such as Chinese construction near the border and restrictions on ethnic Tibetan Nepalis in the area. China's border fortifications are seen as part of a larger trend under President Xi Jinping's administration to redefine territorial limits, which has led to tensions with neighboring countries like India. The article emphasizes that smaller nations like Nepal face immense pressure from China's growing influence and military assertiveness, making it difficult for them to address border disputes openly.
www.mlive.com
A 1,100-year-old Buddha statue, known as the "Figure Buddha," is set to return to its native Nepal from the University of Michigan Museum of Art. The statue, which has been part of the museum's collection since 2016, is believed to have been taken from Nepal in the mid-1970s without permission. The university's Board of Regents is considering the statue's deaccession, a process that would allow for its repatriation. Museum officials stated that returning the statue aligns with best practices for managing cultural artifacts. Although the statue was purchased from an antiques shop in London in 1988, there is strong evidence suggesting its origins in Nepal.
