Nepal Cancels International Tibetan Studies Seminar Following Heavy Pressure From China

Nepal canceled a major international Tibetan studies conference after intense diplomatic pressure from Beijing, overriding its own security agencies' assessments. Top government officials instructed Kathmandu University to stop the academic event, despite earlier assurances from the Home Minister that it would proceed with security vetting. China expressed deep concerns over potential anti-China statements, prompting visits from key Chinese representatives. Although organizers pledged to ban political activism and included roughly 100 Chinese scholars, the government pulled the plug to demonstrate neutrality. Kathmandu University has since withdrawn as convener, leaving international organizers to find an alternative host venue.