China refers to Mount Everest as ‘Chomolungma’ at Nepal’s Sagarmatha Sambaad, sparking naming controversy

China’s name game at Nepal’s Sagarmatha Sambaad

During the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal, Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of China’s Standing Committee, repeatedly referred to Mount Everest by its Chinese name, “Chomolungma,” while other participants used its English and Nepali designations. The event’s official name itself—Sagarmatha Sambaad—emphasizes the Nepali term “Sagarmatha” for the world’s tallest peak.

At the opening session of the three-day event, Xiao Jie used “Chomolungma” ten times during his 20-minute keynote address, delivered in Chinese with translation support. His exclusive use of the Chinese term stood out, especially as other dignitaries adhered to the English or Nepali names.

Nepal’s leadership remains silent on terminology

Despite having previously advocated for “Sagarmatha” as the official designation, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli did not address Xiao Jie’s repeated use of the Chinese name. Other top Nepalese officials, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, were also present but did not comment on the matter.

An official from Nepal’s foreign ministry, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the issue but admitted there was little scope for intervention during the event.

Global participation at Sagarmatha Sambaad

The Sagarmatha Sambaad is a major international dialogue platform hosted by Nepal, focusing on environmental and regional cooperation. This year’s event saw participation from delegations representing:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Japan
• Qatar
• UAE
• United Kingdom
• Brazil
• Egypt
• Oman
• Kyrgyzstan
• Pakistan

International organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), SAARC, BIMSTEC, and ICIMOD also took part in the discussions.

Naming disputes over Mount Everest

Mount Everest, known as “Sagarmatha” in Nepali and “Chomolungma” in Tibetan and Chinese contexts, has long been subject to naming preferences based on cultural and geopolitical considerations. While the global community predominantly uses “Mount Everest,” the Nepali government has consistently promoted “Sagarmatha” as a matter of national identity.

China’s insistence on using “Chomolungma” in an international event hosted by Nepal underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the iconic peak’s nomenclature.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad highlighted not just environmental concerns but also subtle geopolitical undertones through differing references to Mount Everest. The absence of a response from Nepalese leadership to China’s assertive use of “Chomolungma” reflects the complexities of regional diplomacy.

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