Nepali Journalist Is Threatened by Chinese Envoy Over Social Media Post

China's ambassador, Chen Song to Nepal has stirred up controversy by requesting a social media apology in full from a Nepali journalist for a post on X.

While official papers reference a two percent interest rate, the X post purportedly showed that Nepal had borrowed five percent from China. Ambassador Chen insisted that the material was untrue and demanded a public apology.

His demand came a few days after Taksar Magazine Editor Gajendra Budhathoki wrote on X on May 27 that the loan Nepal received from China to build the Pokhara Regional International Airport had an interest rate of 5% even though official documents stated it was only 2%.

Ambassador Chen commented on X, "We demand a formal apology from you and whoever you represent." "Publish the document if you have it. What sort of aim is this if you don't and require time to obtain proof? distributing falsehoods initially, then holding off until the flood passes before spreading them once more," he continued.

In response, Budhathoki said on X, "Don't try to scare me. Chen, be aware of your boundaries. I possess proof from the Government of Nepal. He said, "My security has been called into question due to the personal attack and threat I received from the Chinese envoy and those who support him regarding my remarks on social media." The statements made by the Chinese envoy have drawn criticism from a number of journalists and officials in Nepal, who claim that they go beyond the bounds of proper diplomatic protocol.

"It is uncommon for a foreign ambassador to seek an apology for a social media post from a journalist in the host country. He might contest or request clarification from the government. The hazards of direct participation and the boundaries of "public diplomacy" should be brought up with the ambassador by the foreign ministry, as former foreign secretary and ambassador Madhu Raman Acharya stated on X.

Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, the former editor of The Himalayan Times, also took issue with Ambassador Chen's comments. "Instead of responding and threatening @gbudhathoki, the @PRCAmbNepal might have just said that the information is incorrect. He commented on X, "It merely demonstrates the Chinese ambassador's conceit and his domineering mindset.