19/01/2023
Prachanda can play an instrumental role for Asian Union
Regional integration allows countries to overcome these costly divisions integrating goods, services and factors' markets, thus facilitating the flow of trade, capital, energy, people and ideas. Regional integration can be promoted through common physical and institutional infrastructure.
Relations between India and China have been worsening. The two world powers are facing off against each other along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.
Here's what you need to know in 400 words.
What's the source of tension?
The root cause is an ill-defined, 3,440km (2,100-mile)-long disputed border.
Rivers, lakes and snowcaps along the frontier mean the line can shift, bringing soldiers face to face at many points, sparking a confrontation.
The two nations are also competing to build infrastructure along the border, which is also known as the Line of Actual Control. India's construction of a new road to a high-altitude air base is seen as one of the main triggers for a deadly 2020 clash with Chinese troops.
How bad is the situation?
Despite military-level talks, tensions continue. In December 2022 troops clashed for the first time in more than a year.
It happened near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India. Some soldiers suffered minor injuries.
De-escalation work has taken place since a major clash in June 2020. The Galwan Valley battle - fought with sticks and clubs, not guns - was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975.
At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died.
Another face-off in January 2021 left troops on both sides injured. It took place near India's Sikkim state, between Bhutan and Nepal.( Source:BBC News)
Nepal's new govt seeks to balance ties with India, China, economy in focus
Nepal is one of several South Asian countries where India and China both seek influence. India has long considered Hindu-majority Nepal, a Himalayan country of 30 million, as a natural ally based on their close historical ties and long open border.
"We'll maintain relationships of equi-proximity with both our neighbours," Narayan Kaji Shrestha, a senior member of Prachanda's Maoist Centre party, told Reuters. Shrestha was later named as a deputy prime minister.