Bridging Legal Frontiers: A Reflective Journey Through Nepal-China Legal Collaboration

Before I share my thoughts on this remarkable journey, I would like to briefly touch upon how the relationship between the Nepal Law Society and the China Law Society was established, and how it turned out to be one of our most rewarding learning experiences. Regarding our observation and study of China’s legal system, there will be an in-depth presentation by the Executive Director of the Nepal Law Society, Mr. Krishna Man Pradhan, shortly.

This journey traces its roots back to an evening about a year and a half ago. It was a formal dinner hosted by a prestigious business group, attended by diplomats from various countries and prominent business figures. That evening, I was introduced to Mr. Wang Shi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy. What started as a brief conversation quickly developed into a meaningful exchange, deepening our mutual interest in various areas. Having maintained warm relations with several Chinese ambassadors and diplomats throughout my long tenure as Secretary-General of the Constituent Assembly, I felt there was a long-cherished legacy underlying this instant connection. Before parting, we exchanged contact numbers with a promise to meet again.

Weeks passed, but I did not hear from him. Meanwhile, my curiosity about China’s Constitution, its legal framework, and the effectiveness of Arbitration Commissions in resolving business disputes continued to grow. I wanted to explore the practical applications of these mechanisms and understand their impact firsthand. When I finally reached out to Mr. Wang to discuss the possibility of a visit, he informed me that such opportunities would be more feasible through institutional collaborations rather than personal requests.

During my tenure as Secretary-General of the Constituent Assembly, I had engaged extensively with the Nepal Law Society on various constitutional matters. Even after my retirement from parliamentary service, I remained closely associated with them. It was through this connection that the Nepal Law Society facilitated an academic collaboration with the China Law Society, opening the doors for us to study the Chinese legal system in depth.

As part of this initiative, we had the privilege of a formal courtesy meeting with the Chinese Ambassador. This led to an invitation from the China Law Society in Beijing for four of us to attend a legal conference in Chongqing. The Nepalese delegation, led by former Chief Justice Honorable Kalyan Shrestha, included myself, Mr. Krishna Man Pradhan, and Advocate Mr. Praveen Limbu.

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal took full charge of coordinating our visit. However, since the invitation was quite informal, we were initially unsure whether it met the required protocol for a former Chief Justice. This uncertainty led to some hesitation, but ultimately, we decided to embrace the opportunity.

Our journey began with a five-hour flight to Chengdu, where we were warmly received by a delegation from the China Law Society. Their hospitality was nothing short of extraordinary—from the grand reception at the airport to the lavish welcome dinner featuring an array of China’s finest delicacies. The warmth of our hosts filled us with excitement and anticipation.

Frankly speaking, the entire ambiance, filled with a deep sense of hospitality, put us in a rather romantic mood!

Following the dinner, we embarked on a three-and-a-half-hour journey to Chongqing in a luxurious minibus. By the time we reached our hotel, it was quite late. Knowing that the next day’s program required an early start, we quickly retired to our rooms for some much-needed rest. In fact, the long journey and subsequent meetings had made our schedule quite hectic.

But it was worth it in every way, because our visit to a municipality in Chongqing turned out to be one of the most insightful experiences of the trip. We observed how local governance functioned seamlessly, addressing citizens’ concerns efficiently. Complaints were registered and resolved systematically, ensuring that grievances reached the national level for consideration. We couldn’t help but compare this structured approach to our own system back home, where issues often escalate into protests, heated debates, and sometimes even violence, rather than being resolved through institutional mechanisms. Witnessing this contrast left us in deep reflection—and somewhat in shock—prompting us to think about the gaps in our own governance and legal framework. With this experience, all of us began to visualize how vast the landscape of reform really is, and what responsibilities we have in fulfilling it. To me, it was no less than observing an experiment in a science lab.

Beyond that, there was another memorable part of the journey I’d like to share:

Shanghai—a city of dazzling wealth, economic prosperity, and stunning urban transformation—left an indelible mark on us. We felt the city was more vibrant at night than during the day, buzzing with energy. I dare say that after visiting Shanghai, many would find most other major cities of the world underwhelming. The seamless management of transportation, housing, food supply for such a massive population, and most notably, security and cleanliness, was truly remarkable. The overall organization and efficiency exceeded all our expectations.

Touched by the beauty of Shanghai, I happened to recall a poem by Chinese poet Liu Jiawen, which I had once read. He had compared Shanghai to his beautiful lover. His lines, as I recall, went something like this:

My Shanghai Blossom, a treasure so rare,
A love eternal, beyond all compare.
In this city of dreams, our love will reside,
Forever entwined, side by side.

Like the poet, we too found ourselves enamored by Shanghai’s charm and magnificence.

Now, let me share some of our reflections on key thematic learnings:

Of course, upholding the rule of law is no easy feat, yet China has continuously refined its legal system in alignment with its evolving societal needs. The China Law Society has played a pivotal role in this process, operating through an extensive organizational network spanning provinces, municipalities, and local levels. Unlike in many countries, China’s administrative and legal structures function within the broader framework of the Communist Party of China. The Party plays a crucial role in driving the country’s holistic development—economic, social, and legal.

One striking observation was that China has developed and implemented all the legal instruments necessary for governance. The country operates strictly within its legal framework, ensuring that laws are followed in every aspect of administration. Some might critique China’s legal system for not aligning with global democratic norms, but it is undeniable that their approach is tailored to their unique needs and has proven effective for them. Rather than questioning it, perhaps we should acknowledge and appreciate how well it serves its purpose.

It is nearly impossible not to be awed by China’s rapid economic progress. My first visit to China was in 1992, when I accompanied a parliamentary delegation shortly after Nepal’s transition to a multi-party system. I still vividly recall looking out my hotel window in Tianjin late at night, watching streams of people cycling in identical blue-green uniforms. I wondered where they were coming from, and where they were heading at such an odd hour.

Ten years later, during another visit as part of a delegation led by the National Assembly Chairperson, I saw a dramatically different picture—those same cyclists were now behind the wheels of luxurious cars and SUVs. The transformation was overwhelming. China’s meteoric rise in such a short span left a lasting impression on all of us.

My visit last year, in October and November, at the invitation of the China Law Society, was yet another chapter—this time focused on Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai. What we witnessed exceeded all expectations. For Nepalese, who often dream of development, the experience was an eye-opener. There was no visible dirt or disorder; people appeared well-dressed, well-fed, and confident about their future. Their demeanor was calm yet assertive, their voices steady yet clear.

Upon returning home, I reflected on China’s trajectory of economic and legal progress—it is a continuing journey, and they are bound to reach even greater heights. Amid this realization, one question lingered in my mind for a long time: how does China perceive Nepal?