KATHMANDU, Feb 18: China has accused US of employing 'coercive diplomacy" against Nepal on MCC grant agreement that awaits parliamentary ratification for its implementation.
MCC ratification is Nepal's sovereign decision: US
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Friday said China opposes "coercive diplomacy," referring to a news report that the US urged Nepal to endorse the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) by February 28, according to Global Times.
"China welcomes the international community to cooperate with Nepal, contribute to Nepal's economic development and livelihood improvement, but this should be done based on Nepalese people's willingness without political conditions," the Global Times news report quoted Wang as saying.
Spokesperson Wang also said that China will continue to support Nepalese people to choose their own development path and support Nepal to make a decision that is in accordance with their country's interest and demonstrates people's willingness. He also said that China will continue to provide support to and help Nepal's development as a friendly country.
US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu had recently held separate telephone conversations with Nepal's leaders, during which Lu reportedly urged them to endorse the MCC pact by February 28 or Washington would "review its ties with Nepal." However, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry has already refuted the news.
