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With the growth of its power, China’s overseas interests are rapidly expanding. Along with this, in addition to the extreme containment and suppression by Western countries, there are also various ‘stigmatizing’ hype such as ‘neo-colonialism’, ‘debt trap’, ‘China threat theory’ etc.. This highlights the sharp cognitive opposition between China and Western countries in expanding overseas interests.

Expansion methods

Win-win cooperation vs zero-sum game

The concept of win-win cooperation proposed by China emphasizes achieving complementary resources and shared advantages through close cooperation with host countries, thereby fostering mutual benefit and ultimately leading to common development and maximized interests. The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, put forward by China in 2013 and based on the concept of win-win cooperation, has achieved numerous results, covering policy communication, facility construction, trade cooperation, investment growth, and project construction etc., injecting new momentum into global economic growth. China’s pursuit of a win-win development path in expanding its overseas interests is the right path for the world.

Driven by zero-sum game mentality, in international politics, Western countries focus on safeguarding their own interests, viewing China’s expansion of overseas interests as a threat to their own interests, and fearing that China’s strength could undermine their power and status in host countries. The zero-sum game mentality espoused by Western countries is detrimental to others and not beneficial to themselves, often leading to tension and conflict in international relations.

Expansion approach

Peaceful development vs ‘Thucydides Trap’

The term ‘Thucydides Trap’ is used metaphorically to describe the competitive situation among major powers in contemporary international relations. Specifically, when an emerging power rises and attempts to play a greater role on the international stage, it often clashes with existing powers in terms of resources, markets, influence, or geopolitical advantages. This situation of mutual confrontation and threat may ultimately lead to the outbreak of war. Based on the cognitive logic of Thucydides Trap, Western countries often pursue containment and suppression strategies towards the friendly cooperation between China and host countries in areas such as economy, military, and technology.

However, ‘Thucydides Trap’ is not an iron law, and war does not necessarily break out between major powers. China’s concept of peaceful development reflects the common pursuit of peace and development by countries around the world, offering the possibility to avoid the ‘Thucydides Trap’. Based on the concept of peaceful development, China has always been committed to becoming a builder of political peace, a contributor to economic development, and a maintainer of social order for host countries in the expansion of its overseas interests.

Expansion path

Co-consultation, co-construction, and sharing vs colonial plunder

The expansion of overseas interests by Western countries employs the bloody and brutal method of colonial plunder. Specifically, Western countries maintain their colonial rule through violent occupation of land and signing unequal treaties. By occupying, enslaving, and exploiting weak countries, they gain financial and trade privileges, as well as plunder natural, human, and strategic resources. They expand their sphere of influence and balance competitors through colonial expansion in order to ensure their own security and national interests. They regard themselves as disseminators of civilization, attempting to establish a kind of social structure and cultural identity in colonies that is similar to that of their homeland.

Guided by the principles of co-consultation, co-construction, and sharing, China promotes joint consultation with host countries in the expansion of overseas interests. This ensures that host countries have an equal voice and participation rights, enabling political disputes and economic conflicts to be resolved through consultations. Cooperative projects are jointly undertaken by both parties, with the results shared to foster mutual development and prosperity. Furthermore, it aims to involve citizens of host countries as participants, contributors, and beneficiaries of these projects, particularly ensuring that local residents also reap the benefits, thereby creating a conducive and friendly environment for the expansion of China’s overseas interests.

Expansion goal

Community with a shared future for mankind vs hegemony and power politics

Based on the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is dedicated to promoting high-quality development in host countries during the expansion of its overseas interests, implementing global development initiatives, global security initiatives, and global civilization initiatives in these countries. China is proactively addressing various complex social issues, and encouraging more citizens of host countries to participate in Chinese projects and share dividends, thereby contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the economic and social development of host countries and demonstrating its responsibility as a major power. The concept proposed by China has garnered support and endorsement from the majority of countries worldwide, particularly those from the ‘Global South’.

The hegemonic behavior of Western countries manifests as gross interference in the internal affairs of other countries, manipulation of international affairs, and expansion of spheres of influence through military means. The core idea of power politics is that ‘power is truth’, referring to the policies and activities of Western powers that bully the weak, arbitrarily dominate other countries’ people, interfere in other countries’ internal affairs for their own interests, and infringe on other countries’ interests. Based on the logic of hegemonism and power politics, Western countries have seriously damaged international peace and stability, the well-being of people all over the world, and the common interests of all mankind through various perverse acts in the world.

Conclusion

In response to the cognitive opposition between China and western countries in expanding overseas interests, China should uphold the concept of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, and strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind. At the same time, in countries where China’s overseas interests are expanding, China should take practical actions of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to practice its own propositions and demonstrate international fairness and justice.

The author is  Dean of China’s Overseas Interest Studies Institute at Yangtze Normal University

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

Raj Pandey

Final year, BA LLB

Kathmandu School of Law

Life as sweet as honey 

was the greatest lie ever told

The wave of time came bearing sorrows 

with the reality it behold

The fire of my heart craving anger 

never ceasing to grow 

The emptiness in my soul kept asking to be filled 

with the love of gold

My first love was to the anger 

with her eyes as livid as ember

I craved the burns to my skin 

only to be drowned by the guilt that followed

I try again but once more that I try 

the more she seems to devour 

Then at the faint of night she whispered to me

Anger was never truly her name it was grief she told

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College

The Nepal Eye Program, under the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), has emerged as a cornerstone in the fight against blindness in Nepal. Established in 1992, TIO has evolved into a comprehensive ophthalmic center with six key divisions: Tilganga Eye Hospital, Academic and Training, Outreach, Research, Nepal Eye Bank, and a Lens Manufacturing Laboratory. Notably, TIO has pioneered advanced cataract surgery techniques in collaboration with the Fred Hollows Foundation and established Nepal’s first eye bank, which has been instrumental in restoring sight to thousands.

Initially, TIO’s location in the capital, Kathmandu, limited accessibility for people across the country. To address this, TIO established Community and Surgical Eye Centers in coordination with local bodies. Managed by the Outreach Department, these centers now number 26, strategically distributed across Nepal’s regions and provinces. Centers have been established in remote areas such as Solukhumbu, Mustang, Ramechhap, Rolpa, Manang, Jiri, Charikot, Melamchi, and Palung, where transportation and healthcare services are scarce. Additionally, TIO has set up specialized community hospitals in Bhaktapur (Khwopa Tilganga Community Eye Hospital), Hetauda (Hetauda Community Eye Hospital), and most recently in Nijgadh (Nijgadh Tilganga Community Eye Hospital) in the Bara district, serving the Madhes province and beyond.

Beyond its permanent facilities, TIO organizes eye camps in rural areas to provide essential eye care to underserved communities. The process begins with a thorough assessment of potential locations, considering both the area’s needs and financial situation. TIO collaborates with local partners and organizations to gather support for these camps. Once the timeline is set, TIO staff visit the selected areas to conduct screening camps, identifying individuals requiring surgery or other treatments. A team of doctors from Kathmandu then travels to these areas to perform free surgeries, primarily focusing on cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in Nepal. Other conditions, such as pterygium (growth of tissue on the eye’s surface), are also treated during these camps.

Cornea donation plays a vital role in restoring sight to those suffering from corneal diseases, a significant cause of blindness worldwide. Eye donation, particularly after death, can greatly increase the availability of corneal transplants. The process is simple yet impactful: one donation can restore vision for two individuals. The Nepal Eye Bank has been training staff to safely and effectively retrieve corneas immediately or within hours of death. These staff are stationed in hospitals and crematory areas, such as Pashupatinath, where they handle consent, counseling with family members, and cornea retrieval. According to the Nepal Eye Bank’s data, 1,200–1,500 corneas are collected annually.

Eye health is essential for preventing and managing vision problems, ranging from refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness) to serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are critical for early detection, as many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Public education on protecting eye health—through proper nutrition, wearing sunglasses, reducing screen time, and avoiding smoking—can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Accessible eye care services and timely treatment are key to preserving sight and improving quality of life.

As a teenager, I have gained unique insights into the world of eye care through my parents, both of whom are doctors. While learning about healthcare has always been accessible to me, observing it in action was truly inspiring. During a visit to TIO, I had the opportunity to tour this renowned institution, which embodies history, hope, and heightened awareness. I visited the Fred Hollows Intraocular Lens Laboratory (FHIOL) within the TIO premises, where the hum of machines and the dedication of workers left a lasting impression. The laboratory produces lenses for cataract surgery, playing a crucial role in preventing blindness. TIO also organizes annual surgical camps for underprivileged communities, restoring sight to countless individuals.

Witnessing the joy of patients who regained their vision and the humility of the staff who made it possible was deeply moving. I observed my mother and other staff members dedicating their time and energy to each patient, which was incredibly inspiring. I also had the chance to watch experienced doctors perform surgeries in the operating theater. Although access to certain areas was restricted, the focus and determination of the surgeons were evident.

Overall, my visit to TIO was an eye-opening experience. As a teenager, I initially viewed it as just another workplace for my mother. However, exploring its various branches, laboratories, operating theaters, and statistical boards revealed its profound impact. TIO is not merely a hospital for eye checkups and glasses; it is a comprehensive hub for eye care, serving Nepal and beyond. It has also become a global learning institute, attracting eye health professionals worldwide. TIO’s philosophy of serving people across all socio-economic backgrounds in the pursuit of preserving vision and curing treatable blindness is truly remarkable. With the privilege of this experience, I hope to spread awareness about the incredible work being done at TIO and the importance of eye health.

Kriti Rajbhandari

Rato Bangla School, Lalitpur