U.S. Intensifies Focus on Nepal’s Elections as China Voices Unease

Kathmandu — As speculation swirls about U.S. involvement in the Gen‑Z movement and subsequent events, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur has expressed confidence that Nepal will hold a safe and peaceful election and affirmed Washington’s readiness to work with whichever party emerges from the vote.

Speaking before the U.S. House of Representatives’ South and Central Asia subcommittee, Kapur said, “We are confident Nepal will have a secure and peaceful electoral process, and we are prepared to work with whoever wins.”

Appointed last year by President Donald Trump to replace Donald Lu, Kapur — a South Asia security expert — described recent political shifts in Nepal and Bangladesh as “youth movements creating opportunities for democratic participation.”

He also emphasized that Washington’s primary aim in South Asia is to prevent dominance by any single power, a statement widely interpreted as a pushback against expanding influence by Beijing.

At the same hearing, subcommittee leaders warned of risks posed by foreign infrastructure debt in smaller countries, implicitly referencing Chinese lending strategies under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The U.S. has said it will prioritize expanding trade, defense cooperation, and transparent investment — particularly in sectors like ports, telecommunications, and energy — in countries like Nepal.

Democratic lawmakers also criticized earlier U.S. diplomatic decisions, saying calls to withdraw ambassadors from Nepal and Sri Lanka last December weakened American influence in the region.

Meanwhile, Beijing has been vocal in expressing concern over growing foreign influence in Nepal. Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming arrived in Kathmandu on Friday, even as Nepal currently has no sitting U.S. ambassador.