Kathmandu, Aug. 11 -- The 17th Seminar of the International Association of Tibetan Studies (IATS), which was scheduled to bring more than 700 scholars and researchers to Kathmandu from August 23 to 29, has been shifted to an online format after the Government of Nepal instructed Kathmandu University to withdraw from hosting the international academic event amid growing diplomatic pressure from China, according to a report by Phayul.

The decision, which effectively ended plans for an in-person conference in Kathmandu, was communicated verbally to senior officials of Kathmandu University on August 3, according to a statement issued by the IATS Board.

The instruction was reportedly delivered in person by Nepal's Chief Secretary Govinda Bah...