As Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal embarks on his first official visit to China on Sunday, experts anticipate challenges in implementing previous agreements to create a trustworthy environment. Analysis is also focused on how Nepal will sensitively address China’s role in the border dispute with India. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal’s four-day visit will commence on May 14 and will include talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. The visit was scheduled less than a week after Khanal’s return from India.
A prominent China-Nepal expert expects the visit to result in agreements on the implementation of collaborative accords between the two countries. “Trust increases when a nationalist government is in office, so China has positive expectations,” said Gao Liang, Deputy Director at Sichuan University. Former Ambassador Bishnu Pukar Shrestha also emphasized the continuation of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework. “Failure to implement previous agreements could cool relations. Cooperation under BRI between China and Nepal is essential,” he noted.
The border dispute has intensified following China’s decision to allow Indian pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar to use the Lipulekh Pass. Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to both Delhi and Beijing opposing this decision. Former Ambassador Bishnu Pukar Shrestha commented, “There appears to have been no dialogue with India on the border issue, but raising the sovereignty matter is crucial.” Mahendra Bahadur Pandey stressed the need for Nepal’s explicit consent regarding the Kalapani area. “This discussion must be clarified bilaterally by the government, not just in the media,” he stated.
