Nepal-China Relations Remain a Cornerstone of Stability and Prosperity in the Region

In an era marked by geopolitical shifts, economic transformation, and global challenges, the relationship between Nepal and China stands as a testament to enduring friendship, strategic partnership, and mutual cooperation. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the bonds between our two nations continue to grow stronger, adapting to new opportunities and shared aspirations.

Though the formal relationship started 70 years ago, exchanges between our two countries go back to prehistoric times. Wenshu Manjushri, born in China’s Shanxi Province on Wu Tai Shan, is regarded by the Nepalese as the founder of the Kathmandu Valley’s early settlement. The visit of the eminent monk Buddhabhadra in the 5th century, the marriage of Princess Bhrikuti with the Xizang King in the first half of the 7th century, and the work of prominent Nepali artist and architect Anige or Araniko in the second half of the 13th century, as well as early visits by Chinese monks and scholars like Monk Fa Xian (Jin Dynasty) and Monk Xuan Zang (Tang Dynasty), among others, are notable events in our ancient exchanges. Such exchanges have immensely contributed to fostering understanding and goodwill in art, culture, way of life, religion, and, overall, in shaping strong people-to-people relations.

Built on these historical linkages, Nepal and China have been enjoying an excellent relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which are based on the strong foundation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Nepal attaches profound importance to the enduring and time-honored friendship with China, based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and non-interference, which has evolved into a comprehensive and strategic partnership in recent years.

Nepal is committed to the ‘One China Principle,’ affirming that any change in domestic or external situations has not influenced or affected our principled position. Nepal is committed to not allowing any activities on our soil that are inimical to the core interests of China.

Over the years since 1955, we have witnessed several high-level exchanges at the political level, which have helped enhance mutual trust and understanding. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited Nepal in 1957 and 1960, and King Mahendra visited China in 1961, when milestone treaties of Peace and Friendship, and the Boundary Treaty, were signed. Similarly, Nepali Prime Ministers Tanka Prasad Acharya in 1956, B.P. Koirala in 1957, and subsequent Prime Ministers and heads of state visited China in different years.

From the Chinese side, President Jiang Zemin visited in 1996, and at the Premier level, Zhu Rongji in 2001, Wen Jiabao in 2012, and Deng Xiaoping as Deputy Prime Minister in 1978 paid visits to Nepal. We fondly recall the exchange of historic state visits by His Excellency President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari in 2019, when the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Everlasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity.

China has made astonishing achievements under the Communist Party, especially under the able and visionary leadership of His Excellency Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and the President of China. We commend the Chinese efforts to build a great modern socialist economy and achieve national rejuvenation through the Chinese path of modernization. The power of economic growth lies in its ability to change the life of the people. The lifting of more than 800 million people out of poverty in a short period of time is one of the greatest success stories in all of human history, achieved by China.

Nepal signed the BRI MoU in 2017, and we expressed our support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and joined the group of friends of the GDI.

Rt. Hon. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, visited China in December last year, where the BRI Framework Agreement was signed, paving a new era in Nepal-China enhanced “practical cooperation.” China has emerged as one of Nepal’s important development partners. I am confident that the building of cross-border connectivity through railways, roadways, info-ways, airways, and transmission lines under the framework of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network will be transformative and mutually beneficial.

I am gratified to express that our relationships over the 70 years have grown, diversified, and expanded into many areas of mutual interest, covering political, diplomatic, development cooperation, trade, investment, education, tourism, climate change, and people-to-people relationships. We express our heartfelt gratitude to China for its generous assistance to Nepal’s economic development. We aspire to an enhanced level of financial and technical support from China in priority areas of development such as connectivity, infrastructure development, health, hydropower, and agriculture.

We are also grateful for humanitarian assistance from China during disasters like earthquakes and the pandemic, and for support in the reconstruction of infrastructure. We will always remain grateful for Chinese support in vaccines and urgent medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

China is also Nepal’s second-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment, particularly in hydropower, tourism, and infrastructure. Chinese investment in our key areas is significant in complementing our efforts to realize our development aspirations as Nepal strives to graduate from LDC status next year. We are thankful to China for providing duty-free access to some Nepali products. We need enhanced Chinese support in trade facilitation, trade infrastructure logistics, and the development of cross-border economic zones to minimize Nepal’s growing trade deficit.

In an increasingly multipolar world, Nepal maintains a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy, fostering strong ties with our neighbors while safeguarding our sovereignty. Beyond government-level engagements, the cultural and civilizational connections between our two nations remain vibrant. This year, we have also been celebrating Nepal Visit Year 2025 in China. The exchange of pilgrimages, academic collaboration, and tourism highlights our deep-rooted ties. Initiatives like the Confucius Institute in Nepal and sister city relations further strengthen our cultural diplomacy.

Today, humanity is at a point where we can eliminate all forms of poverty, inequality, exploitation, and conflict if nations collaborate for the cause and for the health of the planet in order to achieve common prosperity. On the other hand, it is also true that we could completely eliminate ourselves and all human life, including the living planet.

So, Homo sapiens today have sole authority over planet Earth. In the contemporary interconnected world, conflicts are seen in different forms. In whatever form they appear, the concept of a winner and loser does not make sense. Sadly, the hard fact of geopolitics is that distrust and discord mark international discourse, and the volume of global challenges facing the global community is overwhelming. The major threat that humanity is facing, and will continue to face, is the catastrophic impact of climate change caused by excessive atmospheric pollution.

Our two countries, along with the global community, are committed to addressing this issue and effectively implementing the Paris Agreement. Participation by H.E. Xiao Jie and other high-level delegates in the Sagarmatha Sambad organized by Nepal in May 2025 shows China’s deep interest in collaborating in this critical area. Both countries have made efforts to fight the adverse effects of climate change.

Despite this, however, we recently experienced an unfortunate incident, probably caused by glacial lake retreat, which led to a large movement of mud that washed away entire infrastructure, including a bridge, and took many lives at the Jilong-Rasuwagadhi border point.

Both countries are working closely in sharing information, conducting joint research, and assessing potential threats of glacial lake outbursts, in which more efforts need to be made in the days ahead.

In conclusion, as we move forward in this dynamic global landscape, Nepal and China must continue to build a partnership that is adaptive, inclusive, and forward-looking. By leveraging our historical ties, enhancing economic synergy, and fostering innovation, we can ensure that Nepal-China relations remain a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region. Let us reaffirm our commitment to a shared future of peace, progress, prosperity, and enduring friendship. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary, we are committed to continuing the momentum and building stronger ties for the next 70 years and beyond.

(The article is the edited version of the statement given by Nepal’s Ambassador to China Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, during the reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, in Beijing on July 30, 2025.)