Nepal Puts Politics Ahead of Lives

Given China’s significant presence in Nepal, the news today that Kathmandu has turned down Taiwan’s offer to help with search-and-rescue efforts following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck at the weekend, killing more than 3,200 people and displacing thousands more, shouldn’t come as a surprise. Along China’s periphery, politics tend to get in the way of people’s welfare.

Hours after Saturday’s deadly temblor, several SAR teams in Taiwan readied to depart for Nepal to help look for survivors under collapsed buildings. This included a 20-member team with rescue dogs. Taipei, which routinely tops donors’ lists in post-disaster assistance to foreign countries, has also pledged US$300,000 in financial assistance so far, and the Taiwanese Red Cross has started a fundraising drive to collect US$1 million

However, Kathmandu said “thanks, but no thanks,” citing lack of diplomatic ties, the “great distance” and the absence of direct flights as the reasons why it turned down Taipei’s offer to send rescue workers, and said it would ask again later if such help were necessary. (Teams from neighboring countries China, India and Pakistan, meanwhile, have received the green light.)

For the thousands more who stand to lose their lives during the critical hours ahead (in the “golden hours” after a disaster, expediency is of the essence), I’m pretty sure that the absence of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Nepal isn’t foremost on their minds at the moment. A country with substantial expertise in SAR (Taiwan gets more than its share of strong earthquakes and typhoons) and which is ready to deploy at a moment’s notice is being prevented — ostensibly for political reasons — from engaging in humanitarian assistance, and likely from saving lives. The absence of direct flights and the “great distance” between the two countries (3,700km) are not valid reasons for turning down the offer. After all, Taiwan’s C-130s are perfectly capable of doing the journey: a Taiwanese C-130 flew 40,000km to and from Haiti in 2010 to bring humanitarian aid following a devastating earthquake (though it had to paint over the Republic of China emblem while transiting through the U.S. lest such visibility hurt the feelings of…you know who).

Despite the slap in the face, Taipei says it will dispatch medical teams to conduct preliminary assessments.

For Nepalese officials, the risk of “angering” Beijing by allowing Taiwan’s participation in early rescue efforts apparently outweighs the benefit of the goodwill and experience that Taiwanese have offered. If Nepalese victims don’t receive timely assistance, there is a chance that some of them will have died in vain because of politics and the cowardice of Nepalese officials. Will Kathmandu be held accountable for such callousness? Probably not. After all, this is a regime that has increasingly depended on Beijing’s financial assistance and that has willingly participated in the repression of its own 20,000 Tibetans as the price to pay for closer economic ties with China. Tibetan groups claim that Nepali authorities banned all public activities to mark the anniversary of “Uprising Day” on March 10 this year.

As President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) rightly said after the C-130 mission to Haiti in 2010, Taiwan may be isolated diplomatically, but it can integrate the international community through humanitarian work. But even there, Beijing and its lackeys within the region won’t allow that. And Taiwan is the troublemaker?

53 thoughts on “Nepal Puts Politics Ahead of Lives”

  1. Welcome to Poli-Sci 141 – “PRC Fundamentals”
    In this course, we will explore how the CCP has brainwashed all Chinese to believe human lives have an endless supply and are therefore expendable, provided you can get a personal advantage by sacrificing them.

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  2. Many rescue teams are stranded in the airport. It is not turning Taiwan. If anyone wants to help please get a guide who knows the area very well

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  3. This is [b.s.]!!! The Gov said this to everyone not to send unnecessary rescue team. All they need now is medical teams. It’s hard for government to manage the rescue teams. That’s the only reason. We heartily appreciate Taiwans effort and welcome it.

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  4. I think it’s a dumb political move – refusing aid from Taiwan has a lot of upside and is not costly at all – even if Beijing is to disapprove, they’ll be shamed in the international community for any actions stemming from Nepal receiving help from Taiwan and the upside is expertise and much needed manpower

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  5. That’s what Nepal government does! I worry that even the relief funds coming in will end up in the bank balance of these politicians without doing any good to the victims. If human lives would have come ahead of politics for this country, then these politicians and their party cadres would come out to help the victims.

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  6. Lots of people from remote village have not even receive first aid. Rescue are always necessary. This is really insane.

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  7. What a bogus and twisted story politicizing such a major natural disaster. The Nepal government has been struggling with coordination efforts and hence has been diplomatic in saying that no help is needed at the moment. There is no political posturing here. Taiwan can certainly provide help in the coming days once the situation on the ground becomes clearer.

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  8. The explain to us, Gary, why the Nepalese government had to say, Because of the absence of diplomatic ties? It could simply have said, Not for the time being, we’re overwhelmed.

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  9. Dont listen to the government of Nepal. They are a bunch of idiots. Listen to the people, we need you. Please come with required utensils and help us.

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  10. This is so ridiculous…. this is the time we need as much we can get… and these politicians… not sure what they are cooking in their mind… I am sure they have plans to take those the money and help little later so people will not ask questions… I hope Tiwan understands that it is us who needs help not the government…. I guess this is the time all nepalese should raise and sweep these trash government out of the country

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  11. Dont spread the False rumors without facts and evidence . The main airport in the capital, intially closed, is struggling to cope from earthquake and Global response.

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  12. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said during a press conference that the reasons given by Nepal were (1) no diplomatic ties (2) “great distance” between the two countries and (3) no direct flights. They said nothing about the airport. Am not spreading rumors but relaying what officials told us.

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  13. I tend to agree with Mr. Cole. Most of the countries in SE Asia will be flying their aid into Nepal. I don’t see that China will be driving through the Himalayas with the condition of roads after a quake. If China can fly in, so can Taiwan.
    There is also an announcement that the Gurkha Regiment is flying in from the UK, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/nepal/11562782/Nepal-earthquake-live.html
    Also, here is an article from India with a picture of one of their C-130’s landing.
    http://bdnews24.com/neighbours/2015/04/26/huge-indian-relief-for-nepal

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  14. Using this tragedy to focus world attention on an unrelated, political matter seems to be a little disingenuous given the title of the article. Nepal is in a difficult position regionally, and the “politics” of managing that position to the best of the small nation’s ability is one way in which the Government of Nepal looks out for the welfare of its citizens.

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  15. not a time for this. let the superpowers deal with themselves and find ways to collaborate efforts. I’m sure the diplomats can figure it out and spare the citizens who are suffering for now.

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  16. It is because airport is over-crowded and rescue co-ordination has been difficult with the presence of different nations. False news!!!

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  17. I really really feel sorry for our fellow countrymen. If you can’t do something at least let people who are willing to do. People are coming voluntarily to help and the government is not being responsive to countrymen. There are so so many places where help hasn’t reached yet. Those who are dead are dead, those who were injured still haven’t got any treatment, people trapped haven’t been rescued, those who survived don’t have food to eat. I read a news that some government officials were found playing cards in the offices. It’s so sad. Our country is going to suffer a lot because of these political leaders. Having Ranas would have been 1000 times better than these politicians / leaders.

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  18. Nepal needs skilled people, equipments and aid rather than the volunteers. As you might have seen in the videos, the rescue effort of people is not enough no matter how many people are working. Please rise above these kind of things/criticism. Rise for humanity

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  19. This is RIDICULOUS!! Nepalese Government did not say “because of the absence of diplomatic ties”. Where did you find/see/hear such a statement? Can you share? And have you not seen how much the country is shaken in terror? Nobody even remembers the diplomatic relations between Taiwan and China and how Taiwan’s help would affect the diplomatic relations. It’s just not the time to. Do not impose your presumptions and ridiculous opinions and push the already stressed country while it is struggling to rescue their people. I agree Nepalese Government have a pathetic management system.They have not even been able to depute the rescue teams that have arrived at the airport to the affected areas, probably which led the government to make such requests to the other rescue teams willing to help. Why have you not mentioned the logistical difficulties behind the request? Not a word about the landing difficulties due to repeated aftershocks and lack of shelter for the rescue teams? It’s not Nepal that’s taking a side, you are. Stop taking sides. This is not a political or diplomatic issue, it’s a humanitarian one.

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  20. In my opinion, all kind and generous international DONORS, firstly, shouldn’t donate cheque or cash to ANY representatives of Nepal Government which obviously is going straight into the pockets of corrupt politicians of Nepal, never reaching the needy people, and secondly, all relief goods and equipments should be handled and distributed to the needy people of Nepal physically by the donor country representative rather than handing over to the Nepal Government as there are news coming out in the social media that relief aids are only being given to their relatives and also people have been turned down and asked to go and get letter from the higher authorities while asking for relief aids while there are tonnes of aids piled up in a container from other countries.
    To this end, It is humbly requested to all the donor countries to keep their eyes open while offering aids to the needy people of Nepal at this moment and please make sure aids given are TRANSPARENT to the public. Thank you.

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  21. SHAME ON THOSE POLITICIANS OF NEPAL. UNCAPABLE N UNGRATEFUL IDIOTS. UNEDUCATED CRIMINALS. PLEASE DO NOT STOP THE HELP AS PEOPLE ARE IN DESPERATE NEEDS

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  22. I think we sud help people as their necessities at this time like water, clothes ,medicine ,blanckets n foods.we cannot trust the politicions, they are like dog who will never leave bones.

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  23. You have to understand that a lot of team and rescue workers are already there. It is hard to manage for this time but we need your support later definitely. That could be the reason. But some people try to make this issue big because they do not like Chain’s presense. Nepal needs help from all over the world sooner or later.

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  24. If it is true, I apologize to the people of Taiwan on behalf of all Nepalese. It is obvious that big and powerful countries have huge influence on their poor and small neighbors. But they should have put lives of the people ahead if the politics. We really appreciate your concern and your desire to help a grieving nation. We wish these diplomats face the pressure and allow Taiwanese help to come to Nepal.

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  25. You do not have any evidence to support the details you have mentioned. This a perfect example of how gullible some people are!!

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  26. I wonder if they rejected because the airport got crowded. If the Nepalese government really rejected the offer due to political reasons, they have failed terribly in gaining people’s trust. All I have to say is the Nepalese government doesn’t represent the Nepalese citizens at all. It never has either. Those 601 demagogues will never work towards what a common Nepalese wants and what his needs are.

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  27. Please don’t let the money get misused. Being a Nepali, Its a shame but the politicians of Nepal are fully corrupted. We don’t belive them at all.

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  28. We Nepalese are so upset with our Government. We really lack determined, educated and responsible leaders. International community are so generous to provide us with assistance and aid but hardly any mobilization and distribution of such is noticed from Nepal Government. It is sure to be misused by our corrupt so called politicians. On the other hand, local and international volunteers are working so hard to rescue the survivors and provide every possible assistance.
    Its so heart wrenching that at this period of tragedy where every contribution and small act of kindness is important to capitalize for rescuing survivors and victims, our senseless government is avoiding such help. This act of our government is shameful and embarrassing to call ourselves as brave Gurkha. Country which was never colonized and known to world for its Gurkha Battalions are completely dependent on India and China for its economy.
    Nepalese citizens are thankful to every county including Taiwan for their help. We are indebted to you all.

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  29. It would be better if helping hands, food, clothings, drugs, are sent instead of money. We trust 0% to nepal government . They least bother about citizens. Its really shameful.

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  30. Better not to handover the aid to the stupid politicians. Instead provide fund to the individuals who are victims

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  31. Think as a common helpless poor citizen you f***king idiots. Nepalese people need help. They gave power to you and you are ruling over them ? Very sad to know they turned down the help request even though people are dying.

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  32. This is a stupid biased article. Japan’s rescue team was sent back too. And we Nepalese people know that Japan and Nepal relation are strOn gas well.
    In Nepal it is not politics it is situation. The airports cannot accommodate the planes.
    Mr. Cole if you can’t help then please put your ideas to yourself. We don’t need this now

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  33. All I can say is Government are really corrupted in Nepal (as long as their lives are satisfied) and its really sad that they are rejecting kind generosity of Taiwan when residents life are at stakes =(

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  34. Nepal has only one international airport that can accommodate only a few number of planes. And the government is too weak to properly coordinate large amount of aids and numerous rescue teams arriving from all over the world. We should just look at what happened in Haiti five years ago. When so much relief efforts poured into Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake, lack of the organization of relief efforts only slowed down the process and cost more lives. You can read this article: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/18/haiti-aid-distribution-confusion-warning . Given the government is already having much difficulty managing the teams arriving at the Kathmandu, and the Kathmandu International Airport struggling to receive planes flying in from all over the world, commercial or otherwise, I think it is rather a wise decision of the Nepalese government to reject the aid offers from Taiwan for now. If Taiwan really cares about Nepal, they would offer help in coming weeks. Nepal has an unimaginably enormous task of rebuilding to do. Help would be needed in days, months and years to come. I hope officials in Taiwan understand that and not think politics ahead of humanity.

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  35. Its not only taiwan but many other countries such as new zealand too that Nepal govt. Has denied help from. Weather is getting worse and there are delays up to 2hrs for plane landings. With congested airspace along with the mountain ranges its hard and priority are given to those with relief aids that are more useful right now. Please read the news people before comenting and speculating things that are not true.

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  36. In this state of emergency in Nepal publishing this sort of half truth you are dragging politics into all this. Is this supposed to help the trapped and injured victims?

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  37. Making sure that as many qualified SAR teams as possible CAN reach Nepal to rescue people there will help the trapped and injured victims. I’m simply pointing out that politics are possibly preventing this. Raising awareness about a regime that may be putting politics ahead of people’s lives is also to the benefit of the Nepalese.

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  38. We have seen umpteen example of government of Nepal faililg to address the needs inneed. Same happened with New Zealand’s search and reacue team. I am.ashamed to be called the country man of such country which is landmark of failure in every aspect because of its unhealthy and corrupt political leaders and officials.

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  39. Maybe Taiwan and Japan should have combined on this aid effort. It’s a shame, but maybe should be used more to highlight the general worldview of Taiwan and pretty much every nation’s desire not to offend China’s regime rather than directly attacking Nepal

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  40. Sad indeed. Pakistan did the same years ago to aid from Taiwan because of the China factor . Yet in Nepal`s case, the worst of geopolitical humanitarian aid is at full play: India and China, between which Nepal is sandwiched, are fiercely competing to be No. 1 in this game, and both are looking much further down the road for also being No. 1 in the massive reconstruction effort that will be needed over the years to extend their influence. Little space here for direct Taiwanese government contribution.

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  41. Recognizing what is other than politics is important here. Nepal is not doing politics but is acting political which is to say that of the counterfeit of politics where ghosts rattle their chains to intimidate people. There are no politics when one seeks to isolate people from a stage where politics can take place. Nepal should be an opportunity for politics to flourish as neighbors near and far, seek to help a neighbor in need. Since it appears Taiwan cannot be allowed to help in rescue work, what we see is the counterfeit of politics itself, which in the classical Greek view is the management of human souls. Isolating 23,000,000 people because they do not pledge allegiance to the CCP already demonstrates the lack of politics by limiting participation in the ordinary course of human affairs. The US isolation of North Korea and Iran and Cuba up to now demonstrate politics frozen and inoperative and as acts demonstrate lack of political art and are questionable scientifically, as demonstrations of human incapacity for love. All of us crave beauty, but not all of us in are in love, and we pay a severe price for ignorance, as a matter of both art and science. Yet somehow, love finds a way.

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  42. Very sad. Neighbour country Bhutan contributed cash US$ 1 million, relief team of 62 health team with all medicine, tents, etc. May sense prevail on politicians. China plays politics even on the body of death and disaster. China says Nepal has given too much space for India and also complained of presence of Indian Army rescue team.

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  43. Nepal has rejected aid from other countries as well. Airport is crowded and it’s being harder to mobilize teams from multiple countries. Help isn’t enough just hard to manage. As a Nepalese I don’t believe rejecting Taiwan’s help isn’t politically motivated.

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  44. Mother Theresa said…just do it yourself and dont wait for politicians and others…countless people in Taiwan are helping any way they can and making a difference with Loving Kindness

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