Reports noted that despite the peace process and Maoists’ joining mainstream politics, subjects like warfare and weaponry were still being taught in Maoist-run schools in the Rukum, Rolpa and Salyan districts of Nepal. Students were also being taught about communist revolutions as well as the history of communist leaders like Mao Zedong, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.
Sino-Japanese relations warming up following Aso’s Beijing Sojourn
On the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso paid an official visit to China on April 29-30. This was Aso’s first official visit to China since he took office in September 2008. Aso’s visit is significant in more than one way. Being the first between leaders of the two countries in 2009, it was important as it came after a number of exchanges of high level visits in 2008. Aso’s visit was expected to advance China-Japan strategic relations further.