Kathmandu, Dec 2: Kathmandu, Dec 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has departed for Beijing today on a four-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang.

Nepal and China have enjoyed warm and friendly ties for centuries. The exchange of civilizations, knowledge, and philosophy, along with the contributions of historic figures such as Manjushree, Buddhabhadra, and Bhrikuti, has played a significant role in deepening bilateral relations.

Modern diplomatic relations between Nepal and China were established in 1955. China opened its embassy in Kathmandu in 1960, and Nepal followed with the establishment of its embassy in Beijing in 1961. In recent years, there has been a continuous exchange of high-level bilateral visits between the two countries.

China has been a steadfast partner, investing in Nepal’s trade, education, tourism, and physical infrastructure sectors. The country has enhanced its economic support and cooperation through grants, recognizing Nepal as a peaceful, democratic republic.

Nepal has a high potential to benefit greatly from its close relationship with China, which is one of the world’s rising economies. China embraces peace diplomacy and expresses its desire for Nepal’s advancement toward political stability and prosperity.

There are growing expectations for China’s support in the IT sector and for the promotion of transport connectivity. China has been a leading contributor to Nepal’s economic development.

Among the many significant projects supported by China in Nepal are the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Trolley Bus, Himal Cement, Hetauda Garment Factory, Butwal Spinning Mill, Harisidhhi Brick Factory, and Gorakhkali Rubber Industry. China has also made significant investments in Nepal’s road infrastructure, including the Araniko Highway, Kathmandu’s Ring Road Project, and the Civil Hospital in New Baneshwor.

In addition, China has invested in Nepal’s agricultural, tourism, industrial, and energy sectors, providing multidimensional support. In times of crisis, China has consistently extended its full support to Nepal as a reliable and good neighbor.

Nepal-China relations are strong, cordial and reliable: Former ambassador Pandey

Former Nepali ambassador to China, Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said that Nepal and China are close friendly neighbours and reliable partners that work for mutual benefit and they have been enjoying problem-free ties.

“China has helped Nepal even in difficult situations. Nepal has firmly held on to the ‘Cone China’ policy when various countries have tried to bother China and the two nations have been enjoying cordial, strong and reliable ties. China expects that no anti-China activities be allowed to take place from Nepali land. Similarly, China is confident that Nepal will remain steadfast on its one China policy. In this perspective, China sees Nepal as its reliable friend,” he said.

Stating that Nepal has also not allowed any anti-China activities in its territory, the former ambassador said: “We have no enemies in the world, but the relations cannot always be the same with all. China always wishes for political stability in Nepal with government stability so that others will not be able to play in the instability. China also wishes that Nepal attains prosperity with rapid development activities. It has also been supporting Nepal in its development endeavours. China always harbours cooperative and cordial views towards Nepal.”

Bilateral ties should be based on national interest, not on power and person: Maoist Centre leader

CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Surendra Karki said that historically China is Nepal’s closest neighbour. Both our close neighbours – India and China- have achieved unprecedented economic development. Both these countries which were in the margins in the past have risen to the global centre stage at present. They have a special presence in the global economy.

Nepal has to redefine its relations with both its closest neighbours. China has pursued the BRI peoject with the goal of expanding connectivity through transport. There is possibility of Nepal becoming a better ‘transit hub’ from this. But we lack the infrastructure technology and manpower required for this. Nepal should talk to China to fulfill these requirements.

China sees Nepal as its old friend and a nation obviously situated in a strategically significant location. It wishes that Nepal attained political stability. It is not finding a strong and reliable ally in Nepal due to the political instability here. China should conduct its relations with Nepal, considering the country’s interest rather than any political force or an individual.

[Based on conversation with CPN (UML) leader and former Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader and former Minister for Communications and Information Technology Surendra Kumar Karki on the eve of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s four-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China.(RSS)