Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is set to embark on a four-day visit to China. This marks the first high-level visit from Nepal following the formation of the new government led by the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa). Amid the changing political landscape, questions arise as to how China will advance its relationship with Nepal. What are China’s main interests and concerns regarding Nepal? How will previously committed development projects proceed? These issues were addressed in an interview by Durga Khanal with Huan Yunsong, Associate Dean of the School of International Studies and Coordinator of the South Asia Studies Center at Sichuan University, focusing on China’s current view of its relations with Nepal.
China regards its relationship with Nepal as a mature and sustainable strategic partnership grounded in lasting friendship and development cooperation. For more than seven decades, their ties have been based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and equality, and adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, including non-interference in internal affairs. China has consistently praised Nepal for its steadfast commitment to the One-China principle and views the bilateral relationship as a model of neighborly diplomacy transcending differences in country size or political systems.
China’s primary concern centers on the potential policy instability and the possibility that the new government might be sensitive to expanding Western strategic influence. Beijing remains vigilant against any tilt of Nepal towards US-led Indo-Pacific strategies which it regards as containment efforts. Additionally, internal populist pressures in Nepal could delay the implementation of significant bilateral infrastructure agreements, which is another point of apprehension.
During Foreign Minister Khanal’s visit, the focus will be on enhancing political mutual trust, deepening practical cooperation, and advancing a high-quality Belt and Road partnership. Key priorities include clarifying the practical implementation process of previously agreed infrastructure projects, reviewing the feasibility study of the Kerung-Kathmandu cross-border railway, and promoting Chinese direct foreign investment.
