Full Breakdown
Nepal Investigates Burning of Xi Jinping's Book at University
3/20/2026, 12:14:25 AM
Incident Overview
Nepal is currently investigating the burning of copies of "The Governance of China," a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which occurred at Manmohan Technical University (MTU) in Budhiganga, Morang district. The incident took place during a cleanup effort on March 14, 2026, when university staff reportedly disposed of termite-infested materials, leading to the destruction of several copies of the book. The Chinese embassy in Kathmandu expressed concern over the event, prompting the Nepalese government to initiate formal inquiries.
Investigation Committees Established
In response to the incident, two high-level committees have been formed to conduct investigations. The University Conservation Committee, chaired by Ishwar Pokharel, has established a three-member team led by Rajan KC to gather data and interview relevant personnel. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a five-member task force, including representatives from the Nepal Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to identify the decision-making process and individuals involved in the burning. Both committees are expected to submit their findings within 15 days.
Official Statements
Yuvaraj Kattel, chief district officer of Morang, stated that the investigation aims to determine who was responsible for the incident and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. Subash Shree Pokhrel, vice chancellor of MTU, clarified that the destruction of the books was inadvertent, occurring during the disposal of damaged materials. He emphasized, “We had no intention to hurt our friendly relations with China and destroy the book.”
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the university's claims, critics have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the university's explanation. Reports indicate that a video of the burning, which circulated on social media, showed copies of Xi's book being set ablaze alongside other materials. This has led to speculation about the circumstances surrounding the incident, with some suggesting that the university may have been attempting to dispose of sensitive documents. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has instructed local officials to investigate and take action against those involved.
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked discussions about Nepal's diplomatic relations with China, a significant trading partner and investor in the country. As Nepal navigates its position between China and India, the burning of Xi's book raises questions about the sensitivity of cultural and political symbols in bilateral relations. The Chinese government has previously expressed concerns over various issues in Nepal, including the presence of Tibetan spiritual leaders, indicating a broader context of scrutiny regarding Nepal's interactions with China.
Conflicting Reports
There are discrepancies regarding the number of books burned and the intentions behind their disposal. While the university maintains that the act was accidental and that nearly 13,000 copies remain stored, eyewitness accounts suggest a larger number of Xi's books were involved in the incident. The investigations aim to clarify these conflicting narratives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It has been asked to find out who was responsible for this and recommend measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future,” — Yuvaraj Kattel, Chief District Officer of Morang
- “We had no intention to hurt our friendly relations with China and destroy the book,” — Subash Shree Pokhrel, Vice Chancellor of MTU
- “We have instructed local officials in Morang to investigate the matter and take action against those involved,” — Om Prakash Aryal, Home Minister
The investigations into the burning of Xi Jinping's book at Manmohan Technical University reflect the complexities of Nepal's diplomatic relations and the sensitivities surrounding cultural symbols in international politics.
