Chinese intel agency playing key role in 'souring' Nepal's relations with third countries: Reports

The document states that China is “playing a role” in souring Nepal’s relations with third countries, particularly with the United States, and is currently actively propagating, lobbying and spending against the MCC, reports Khabarhub.

At a time when the fate of the United States grant assistance Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact is about to be decided — whether to enter implementation phase by parliamentary ratification or to send the grant back, Khabarhub reported it has obtained a highly confidential report that reveals a covert eleventh hour involvement of a Chinese intelligence agency to stop the Compact from getting passed in Nepal.

Chinese national Ning Lin’s name features at the top of the security authorities’ list (obtained by Khabarhub under strict anonymity of not revealing the security agencies’ identity) of those involved in crafting anti-MCC rhetoric in Nepal.

According to the secret report, Lin  (also known as “Oscar Ning”), a Chinese intelligence agency (MSS) official, carries two passports (PE 0350392, PE1732779) and is said to have come from the Chinese province of Hubei., the news portal reported.

The 50-page document — obtained by Khabarhub on Chinese intelligence activities in Nepal — contains more than five pages of details about Lin, including his activities, connections, contacts, mechanism, names of Nepali leaders and journalists.

“Our months-long investigation has confirmed that he is from the MSS and that the details will be made available to top government officials soon,” the source told Khabarhub, insisting anonymity.

MSS is the Chinese government's major intelligence arm.

Vijay Kant Karna, a political analyst and former ambassador to Denmark, dubs this as a blatant example of Chinese aggressive interference in Nepal.

“Nepal has been caught in a geopolitical rivalry of late,” Karna told Khabarhub. “And the increasing Chinese activities in Nepal is the result of this,” he said, criticizing such activities.

An intelligence officer, who preferred strict anonymity, told Khabarhub, “We have been monitoring and noticing significant acceleration of Chinese activities in Nepal on multiple fronts, particularly through businessmen, academics & journalists.”

The official added, “We do not have a concern about China’s legitimate activities but we cannot remain ideal when it comes to Chinese covert activities targeting our relationship with other friendly countries.”