On September 3, 2025, China staged a powerful display in Beijing, drawing leaders from 26 countries, including Nepal's Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli. Photos of Oli shaking hands with China's President, Xi Jinping, quickly became global headlines.
Yet, surprisingly, just five days after this mighty parade, Nepal erupted in flames. Questions arose—who orchestrated the attack on Nepal's Parliament? Why is the public so disgruntled with its own government?
Suddenly, Nepal's government banned 26 major American social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (Twitter), citing unfulfilled registration conditions.
However, this decision infuriated Nepal's youth. The "Gen-Z" generation, born after 1995 and raised alongside the internet and technology, took to the streets. They demand the government stop concealing its failures by banning social media.
Thousands protest as violence flares in many areas. After attempting to breach the parliamentary gates, security forces opened fire, resulting in the death of over a dozen students.
Source: aajtak
China's Gain Amid US Loss
Interestingly, while American companies face bans in Nepal, China's app TikTok thrives unabated. Being the only major platform left, the government uses it to control the narrative and opposition's visuals.
Read more: The NGO ‘Hamig Nepal’ Sparking Gen-Z Activists—Why Were the Protests Ignited?
As unrest grows, Prime Minister Oli's government leans more on China, with Beijing reaping direct benefits from the chaos in Nepal.
Corruption and Discontent
Nepal's youth have previously led overwhelming protests asking for monarchy restoration. Social media had fueled that movement too. Learning from past experiences, the government now silences social media.
Source: aajtak
Youths accuse ruling and opposition parties of shielding each other in corruption. Hence, they're voicing anger not only over the media ban but against unemployment and corruption.
Political Instability and China's Rising Influence
Nepal's two-century-old monarchy ended in 2008, transitioning into a federal democratic republic. However, 11 governments have changed in 17 years, maintaining political instability while China's influence steadily grows.
Once closely connected to India, post-monarchy Nepal now prominently feels China's influence, with tension echoing in both Beijing and Washington whenever unrest burgeons in Nepal.
Source: aajtak
Read more: Social Media Bans Around the World—The Fate of TikTok in America
The Big Question
Now, the question is—was this social media ban in Nepal merely about enforcing registration rules? Or was it a grand scheme to repress public sentiment and stifle dissenting voices?
The "Gen-Z Revolution" in Nepal isn't just about social media—it's a rebellion by a youth generation demanding, "We'll now run the nation."
