Nepal cancels Tibetan studies conference amid China pressure debate

What happened

On August 14, 2026, the Nepal government requested the cancellation of a Tibetan studies conference scheduled for later this month in Kathmandu. No official statement was made. Around 700 participants, including Chinese scholars, were expected.

Why it matters

The cancellation has sparked a debate over whether Nepal acquiesced to pressure from Beijing, which is expanding its influence in Kathmandu. Questions have arisen over whether the event was cancelled to avoid offending China.