Pic Source: AP
In a move seen as a concession to Chinese pressure, Nepal’s new Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, has lifted the ban on TikTok, imposed by his predecessor in November. The reversal comes as Oli seeks to strengthen ties with China, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and India, with Nepal caught in the middle.
The initial ban was enacted due to TikTok’s failure to address concerns about hate speech and content that disrupted social harmony in Nepal. Many believes that due to China’s significant influence, Oli’s government has opted to reinstate the app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance.
As part of the reinstatement, the Nepal government has stipulated that TikTok must promote Nepal’s tourism, invest in digital literacy, support public education, and ensure respectful language is used. Nevertheless, the government faces considerable pressure from China, potentially limiting its ability to effectively enforce these conditions.
The decision underscores Oli’s strategy to align Nepal more closely with China, suggesting that he believes this alliance is more beneficial for the country’s interests.
China’s soft power strategy in Nepal is geared towards establishing regional dominance. The lifting of the TikTok ban has been met with satisfaction from Chinese officials, who highlight the platform’s role in amplifying Nepali voices and creativity. This response underscores TikTok’s significance in China’s broader diplomatic efforts to shape the cultural landscape in Asia.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, publicly welcomed the decision on social media, signaling the successful conclusion of talks to reinstate TikTok.
The same day as the TikTok decision, Nepal and China agreed to expand several development projects, including upgrading a key highway in Kathmandu. These developments highlight Nepal’s increasing reliance on China, with Prime Minister Oli’s government seemingly prioritizing Chinese support and investment over its relationship with India.
The reinstatement of TikTok and the expansion of development projects with China reflect Nepal’s shift towards a closer alignment with China.