Full Breakdown
Nepal Investigates Burning of Xi Jinping's Book Amid Diplomatic Tensions
3/20/2026, 9:14:50 PM
Incident Overview
Nepal is currently investigating the burning of copies of "The Governance of China," a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Manmohan Technical University (MTU) in Morang. The incident occurred on March 14, 2026, and has drawn significant attention from the Chinese government, prompting concerns over potential diplomatic repercussions. A five-member panel has been established to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
Context and Background
The book, which compiles Xi's speeches and outlines his political philosophy, was reportedly burned alongside other materials during a routine clearing of a lab room. MTU officials, including Vice Chancellor Subash Shree Pokhrel, stated that the destruction was unintentional and attributed to the need to dispose of termite-infested materials. However, the presence of hundreds of copies of the book at the college remains unexplained.
Official Responses and Investigations
Following the incident, the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu lodged a formal protest, urging the Nepalese government to investigate and take action against those responsible. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal emphasized that Nepal "cannot tolerate such incidents" due to its close ties with China. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed local authorities and police to conduct a thorough investigation, with Chief District Officer Yuvaraj Kattel demanding a written report from the college.
Criticism and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a mixed reaction among the Nepali public and social media users. Some have called for accountability to avoid straining relations with China, while others have questioned the circumstances under which so many copies of the book were stored and subsequently burned. A viral video of the burning has further fueled discussions, with some users expressing concern over the implications of such actions on Nepal's diplomatic standing.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While official statements indicate that the burning was part of a routine cleanup, eyewitness accounts suggest that the act may have been more deliberate. Reports vary on the number of copies burned, with some sources claiming hundreds while others suggest over a thousand. The exact reasons for the college's possession of the books and the decision to burn them remain unclear.
What's Next
The investigation by the panel is expected to conclude within 15 days, and its findings will likely influence Nepal's diplomatic relations with China. The government is treating the incident as a sensitive matter, prioritizing a swift resolution to mitigate any potential fallout.
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
- “Since this is a sensitive issue, we are trying to find out the truth,” — Yuvaraj Kattel, Chief District Officer of Morang
- “Enough is enough, we cannot promote such nonsense. We should not create unnecessary tension with our neighbouring country. These actions only fuel aggression and division,” — Aashika Poudel, Nepali social media user
This incident highlights the delicate balance Nepal must maintain in its foreign relations, particularly between its two powerful neighbors, China and India.
