Khanal’s Four-Day China Trip Underscores Commitment to Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Kathmandu – Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has returned to Nepal after completing a four-day official visit to China, a trip that observers say marks an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Kathmandu and Beijing under Nepal’s new government.

Minister Khanal visited Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wang Yi. During the visit, the two sides held extensive discussions covering all aspects of Nepal-China relations.

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening ties based on friendship, goodwill and cooperation. Nepal reiterated its adherence to the One China policy and assured that Nepali territory would not be used against China’s interests. In return, the Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and expressed confidence in supporting Nepal’s priorities in governance and economic development.

The two countries discussed expanding cooperation in a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, border management, energy, trade and investment, agriculture, technology transfer, information technology and digitalization, tourism, chemical fertilizers, petroleum and natural gas exploration, as well as people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of previously agreed projects and strengthening coordination in regional and multilateral forums.

During the visit, Minister Khanal also met Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, where both sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation and expanding ties between political parties.

Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, President of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, described the visit as carrying “significant diplomatic importance.”

“Vice President Shishir Khanal’s visit to China is one of the first high-level engagements between Nepal’s new government and China, sending a positive message about strengthening bilateral relations,” he said.

According to Dr. Sharma, the series of meetings with senior Chinese Communist Party leaders and government officials reflects Beijing’s strong interest in deepening cooperation with Nepal at both the party and state levels.

“In diplomacy, personal relations and regular high-level exchanges are extremely important. Such visits help build trust, expand cooperation and create momentum for future partnerships,” he noted.

Dr. Sharma said China closely watches Nepal’s political stability, adding that a stable government and predictable policies are crucial for attracting greater Chinese investment.He also emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative and connectivity projects align with Nepal’s development interests, offering opportunities for infrastructure development, trade expansion and regional connectivity.

“China appears to be giving special importance to the current Nepali leadership, and this visit demonstrates Beijing’s willingness to strengthen engagement with Nepal’s new government,” he said.

Highlighting lessons Nepal could draw from its northern neighbor, Dr. Sharma said China’s experience in infrastructure development, industrialization, poverty reduction and long-term planning could provide valuable insights for Nepal’s own economic transformation.The visit comes as Nepal and China seek to inject fresh momentum into their long-standing partnership, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to broadening cooperation and ensuring the timely implementation of key bilateral initiatives.