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At the outset, let us recall the vivid image of the Gorkha soldiers’ statues in front of the Army pavilion at Tundikhel. The soldiers stand tall, chest upright, their eyes look forward with conviction for peace and human value, pledged through their unwavering valor and immortalized through the sacrifices performed in the past, in the hour of need, to honor their sacred promise to their motherland. 

Looking back at this sentimental piece of history, it fills us with moral pride and nudges us to make similar vows towards the nation. To protect the peace and sovereignty that the past secured for the present-day Nepal, and to pay it forward similarly. 

The Nepali Army has again proven its competency for maintenance of law and order not only within the motherland, but to the world itself, through our valiant peacekeeping force. 

When there are larger forces at play, threatening the harmonious order of world peace, Nepal, being a peace-loving nation, with its resilient people, is thoughtful of such conflicts. The prevailing catastrophe in West Asia has drawn much attention and frustration all over the world, and Nepal remains apprehensive of more potential threats across the world and thus appeals to save the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of these unyielding narratives. 

Cardinal principle

The fundamental objective of Nepal’s foreign policy is to enhance the dignity of the nation by safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and promoting the economic well-being and prosperity of Nepal. It is also aimed at contributing to global peace, harmony, and security. The ‘Panchasheel’ is the bottom line principle of our foreign policy, where non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is more of an inspiration to those nations in conflict. We abide by the faith prescribed in the charter of the United Nations and, therefore, call for a cessation of violence to prevent further extra-regional instability and civilian suffering. 

That being said, the country has become the number one troop contributing country in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations as a manifestation of the Nepali people’s commitment to international peace and security. 

This commitment to the UN mandate has cost Nepal a heavy toll on its personnel, and to date, 74 personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice at the altar of world peace, and another 77 have been disabled. The Nepali Army has always accepted challenges and participated in the most complex operations (Nepali Army website) and will continue this commitment for world peace.

Be different

The history of the Nepali Army is unique and different from any other army in the world. Nepal played a crucial role in both world wars by contributing sizable troops to establish international order. Since then, for Nepal, the maintenance of world peace has become an inalienable part of state affairs. 

Armed Forces of any nation are associated mainly with the use of force to obtain peace. Analysts view modern militaries properly fit in the societies of which they are a part, and serve their nation as prescribed by legitimacy. The deployment of the army in various roles domestically and in various peacekeeping missions across the world is the manifestation of the above.

Crisis management

A capable military force is the necessary condition of a conducive environment for a prosperous, stable and peaceful nation. In order to achieve this, the army has been exemplary in the past, present, and will definitely be vital in the future in handling our domestic crisis regardless of the spectrum of disasters of any magnitude, to the public disorders, including the insurgency.

On Sept 9 of last year, the Nepali Army displayed a strategic move that was successful in minimizing the potential chaos in the nation and proved to be the most illustrious panacea in the least possible time in record history. The entire world community witnessed the national military’s outstanding ability to dismiss the anticipated chaos. The role played by the Nepali army during the recent election is much appreciated. 

Prevention strategy

Since the beginning of the Russia–Ukraine war and Israel-Iran tension, there has been a surge in military expenditure in the countries involved. The cost of a missile is not less than $8m whereas interceptors like Patriot PAC-3 would cost $3.7m. The colossal destruction of innocent children, men, and women, and the infrastructure is irreversible. Defensive systems like Iron Dome and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) may cost tens of thousands per interception, while high-end ballistic missiles can run into several million dollars each. 

As the tensions escalate in West Asia and military exchanges intensify, the financial footprint of the conflict on the parties involved will be much higher, and the global supply chain impact will radiate negatively to other countries. The stress has already brought up mental problems in the people of these countries, making human civilization more vulnerable.  

Buddhist philosophy had enlightened Nepal as a beacon of world peace; hence, as a nation, we should direct our international relations towards enhancing the dignity of the nation in the world community by advocating world peace. Nepali soldiers are deployed in various conflict areas today in carrying out our duties centered on the Buddhist philosophy. The most important part of our foreign policy, which is non-interference in other countries’ internal matters, could have been imbibed to do away with the current crisis in West Asia by the parties involved.  

Conclusion

Nepali Army soldiers qualify as efficient peacekeepers all over the world. Our blue helmets’ contributions to protecting vulnerable communities and assisting in countries’ transition from war to peace have won unprecedented accolades as ‘Peace Champions’. 

The country adheres to a consistent policy of non-alignment, isolation, neutrality, and strategic balancing and expounds Buddhist philosophy of non-violence and “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam” (a concept of world brotherhood) of the Vedas. The soldiers have been and will play a crucial role in the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as be a linchpin to put right any crisis and make peace domestically by exemplifying its robust professional commitment to the cause as mandated by the constitution. With the emergence of the New Year 2083 BS, Nepali people will love to see their country peaceful, stable, and resilient, and wish the same to the world.  

Let us all appeal to the parties in conflict to discover amicable terms so that our mother earth remains peaceful, stable, prosperous, and joyous rather than exhausting her God-gifted natural resources, both in terms of human and material. Thus, the national army stands to safeguard world peace, as always.

The author is a Brigadier General (Rtd) of the Nepali Army

The higher the world has advanced technologically and economically today, the greater it has been divided socially, politically, ideologically and humanly. The enduring chaos caused by a callous thought—that is full of ego, reprisal, hatred, fear and self-doubt—is adding fuel for huge distrust, discord and hostility around the globe, The greater the human being is longing for sophistication, the more they are facing crisis to their own sense of intelligence and inviting bigger threat to peace, social harmony, integrity, thoughtfulness, sanctity and visceral connection.

The fluke rise of merciless authoritarian leaders, misuse of power and technology, and the cold-blooded international war have added long-term scars on humanity, health and well-being in every corner of the biosphere. These issues have been at an all-time high for the last few decades, which has caused a direct impact on every individual, family, society, nation and the ecosphere.

While the general public is more concerned about mental, emotional and collective wellbeing in recent years than in previous years, the infused trauma, fear and worry are making many brilliant brains irrational, unproductive and hopeless. These emotional states are endangering the tremendous life energy of tens of millions of youth around the world, claim studies.

Going beyond any lens of AI to define human thinking, it is high time to emphasize human compassion and cognizance, which could lead to humility and progressivism in our collective action. Since the human being is attributed with innate sense of humor, rationality, generosity, morality, sanctity, emotional maturity and societal edifice, these traits need to be re-attuned to think beyond the normal being. Essentially, the ‘being’ of human beings is eloquent once we could realize the human’s innate nature, learn to govern our instincts and start thinking above “our animal nature”. Yet, the pertaining concern is, will the despotic human truly “think beyond human?”

A succession of geopolitical crises—including the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, and escalating tensions between the United States and Iran—has begun to destabilize the international order that remained relatively stable in the post–Cold War era.

Long-dormant geopolitical rivalries are reemerging, and states are responding to heightened security uncertainty by increasing defense expenditures and strengthening military capabilities. These developments are driving a surge in global demand for defense assets and elevating the defense industry as a central pillar of South Korea’s diplomatic strategy.

In particular, these shifts in the international environment merit close attention, as they present an opportunity to expand the scope of South Korean diplomacy beyond the mere promotion of defense exports. Unlike conventional industrial cooperation, defense cooperation inherently facilitates the development of long-term military and security partnerships.

The acquisition of weapons systems requires sustained collaboration in areas such as training, maintenance, and capability upgrades, thereby fostering enduring strategic relationships between partner states. Accordingly, defense cooperation should be understood not simply as a transactional export activity, but as a critical instrument for expanding diplomatic influence.

Since the onset of the Russia–Ukraine war, European countries have increased their defense budgets and accelerated military modernization efforts. In this context, the competitiveness of South Korean defense products is well established in the international market. South Korea’s defense industry combines high performance with cost efficiency and maintains a manufacturing base capable of meeting demanding delivery schedules. Notably, its ability to supply large volumes within short timeframes constitutes a significant competitive advantage in the global defense market.

This competitiveness is once again drawing heightened attention amid rising instability in the Middle East, particularly in the context of recent US–Iran tensions. As the threat of missile and drone attacks intensifies, demand for missile defense systems to protect energy infrastructure and other critical facilities is increasing, leading to growing interest in South Korea’s air and missile defense capabilities. In addition, the need to replenish air defense assets depleted during recent conflicts is expected to further drive demand in the near to medium term.

At the same time, as the concept of economic security has gained prominence, the scope of defense cooperation has expanded beyond traditional weapons systems. Whereas such cooperation historically centered on platforms such as tanks, fighter aircraft, and self-propelled artillery, it is now increasingly extending into sectors including shipbuilding, energy, and advanced technologies.

For example, icebreakers supporting Arctic shipping routes, LNG carriers facilitating energy transport, and military support vessels represent emerging areas of defense cooperation that integrate security and economic interests. These trends underscore the evolution of defense cooperation into a domain closely linked to a nation’s broader strategic industries.

South Korea, in particular, possesses competitive strengths across a range of industrial sectors, including shipbuilding, nuclear energy, semiconductors, hydrogen, and construction. When integrated with defense cooperation, these capabilities can generate substantial synergies. Combining defense cooperation with energy and infrastructure projects offers a strategic advantage in expanding partnerships with counterpart countries and establishing durable, long-term frameworks for cooperation.

Defense cooperation also plays a critical role in South Korea’s economic security. As an export-driven economy with a high dependence on imported energy, South Korea is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in energy supply. In this context, strategies that integrate defense and energy cooperation can contribute meaningfully to strengthening economic resilience.

In particular, the parallel pursuit of defense and energy cooperation with Middle Eastern countries can enhance mutual interdependence and support the development of stable, long-term partnerships.

Given these dynamics, the South Korean government should leverage defense cooperation as a core instrument of its diplomatic strategy. By expanding both economic and security cooperation with a diverse set of partner countries through defense collaboration, South Korea can position itself as a strategically significant actor in the international system.

Countries that develop cooperative relationships with South Korea are likely to recognize that its stability and security are directly linked to their own interests, thereby reinforcing its diplomatic standing.

However, realizing these opportunities will require robust diplomatic support. Defense cooperation extends beyond commercial transactions and depends heavily on intergovernmental coordination, with political trust and strong diplomatic relations playing particularly critical roles. Accordingly, a more systematic approach to defense diplomacy is needed—one that effectively leverages overseas diplomatic missions and established channels.

Moreover, because defense cooperation inherently involves long-term commitments, it should be pursued within a strategic and forward-looking framework. Defense diplomacy should be oriented toward the establishment of enduring partnerships, with particular emphasis on integrating defense cooperation with industrial and energy collaboration.

In sum, ongoing transformations in the international order present a significant opportunity for South Korea to expand its diplomatic influence through defense cooperation. Such efforts can contribute not only to strengthening industrial competitiveness but also to enhancing diplomatic reach.

By broadening both economic and security cooperation with a diverse range of partners, South Korea can lay the foundation to emerge as both a technological leader and a diplomatic powerhouse.

Accordingly, defense industry cooperation should be recognized as a strategic opportunity to expand the horizons of South Korean diplomacy. By advancing a diplomatic strategy centered on defense cooperation in response to shifting global dynamics, South Korea can establish itself as a key partner in international security cooperation.

The present moment represents a critical inflection point for South Korea to advance as a diplomatic powerhouse through the effective use of defense diplomacy.

The author is professor at Seoul School of Integrated Science and Technology)

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a new round of face-to-face talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping from May 14 to 15, at a particularly delicate moment in global politics and the international economy.

The meeting marks the first in-person discussion between the two leaders since the Busan agreement last October, during which both sides agreed to suspend further escalation of the US–China trade war for one year.

While a flare-up in the Middle East delayed the summit by a month, the easing of tensions with Iran has finally cleared the path for what many view as the most consequential diplomatic inflection point of 2026.

Amid a fragile global recovery and uncertainty in international markets, the Beijing meeting is being closely watched to determine whether both powers can move from “crisis management” toward a more sustainable form of strategic equilibrium, with significant implications for global economic stability.

During their first meeting on Thursday morning, President Xi congratulated the United States on its 250th anniversary, while President Trump praised Xi as “a great leader,” setting a warm and friendly tone for the opening of the summit.

President Xi noted that China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals, emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries carries implications not only for their peoples but also for the future of the world. President Trump described the gathering as “the biggest summit,” highlighting that a top business delegation accompanied him.

A US official said the two sides are expected to continue discussions on establishing new mechanisms for trade and investment coordination, with cooperation in agriculture, aerospace, and energy also likely to feature prominently.

Beijing, meanwhile, has framed the visit as an opportunity to stabilize bilateral ties amid growing global uncertainty. In remarks on Monday, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the need to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, manage differences, and “inject greater stability and certainty into a turbulent and changing world.”

Guidance from Strategic Analysts

Analysts broadly agree that the summit reflects a shared short-term interest in stabilizing China–US relations, even as deeper strategic tensions remain unresolved.

Zhao Hai, director of the International Politics Program at the National Institute for Global Strategy, argued that the primary “product” of this summit should be predictability. For the private sector, specific policies are often less damaging than the volatility created by uncertainty over what policies may emerge tomorrow.

This view mirrors the “managed strategic competition” framework championed by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The goal in Beijing is not necessarily to bridge a decade-long trust deficit during a three-day summit, but rather to prevent further accidental escalation. He emphasized that careful coordination and transparent dialogue are essential to maintaining long-term stability.

Economic Frictions and Business Impacts

While Chinese state media frame economic relations as both a stabilizing foundation and a key driver of broader China–US ties, US tariff policy continues to sit at the center of bilateral disagreements.

Beijing views these measures as “unreasonable restrictions,” while the Trump administration continues to use tariffs as its primary tool of economic leverage.

John McLean, chairman of the China–UK Business Development Centre, noted that shifting US tariff policies are creating deep uncertainty, prompting many companies to delay or reconsider long-term investment plans.

Economic data, however, presents a more nuanced picture of self-inflicted costs. A recent study by the Kiel Institute, a leading German economic research body, found that foreign exporters absorb only about 4% of the tariff burden, while the remaining 96% falls on US businesses and consumers.

These findings underscore that although tariffs are often framed as measures to protect American industries, their indirect effects continue to influence pricing, supply chains, and investment decisions.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the consequences have been particularly severe. Philip Crawley, who operates a laser equipment import business in California, reported that tariffs imposed last year cost his company millions of dollars, forcing it to slow operations, reduce employee pay, and postpone hiring plans.

Glen Calder, president of Calder Brothers in South Carolina, said his steel costs increased by 25% even before US tariffs took effect, as markets anticipated higher trade barriers.

Strategic competition may be conducted at the state level, but its economic consequences are often absorbed by businesses, workers, and consumers navigating unpredictable policy environments.

Continued Investment Interest in China

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the current climate is the resilience of corporate interest. Despite ongoing challenges, many US businesses continue to view China as a critical market.

According to the American Chamber of Commerce in China, around 60% of American companies still plan to invest in the Chinese market, reflecting enduring confidence in China’s economic opportunities.

The rationale is clear: China accounts for roughly 17% of global GDP, contributes approximately 30% of global economic growth, and is projected to export nearly $4 trillion worth of goods in 2025.

Its sheer economic scale and growth potential make it difficult for companies to overlook, providing strong incentives to maintain or expand investment even amid uncertainty.

Looking Ahead: Cooperation and Strategic Stability

President Xi noted during today’s meeting that success for one country can represent an opportunity for the other. China has maintained a relatively consistent stance toward Washington, rooted in the belief that the Pacific is large enough for both powers.

This summit offers a rare opportunity to clarify intentions and move beyond the zero-sum rhetoric that has dominated much of the 2020s.

Reducing uncertainty in trade, investment, and technology would benefit businesses and global markets alike, reinforcing the idea that long-term stability is a shared asset rather than a concession.

Reducing the “noise” surrounding trade and technology is not merely a diplomatic victory — it is the oxygen global markets need to breathe again.