Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has embarked on an official visit to China from March 24 to April 1 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, marking his inaugural foreign trip since assuming office in the new government and transitioning from the home ministry to foreign affairs.
During his visit, Shrestha is slated to engage in bilateral discussions, alongside meetings with high-ranking government officials and leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.
Amid speculations in political and diplomatic circles regarding China's potential involvement in Nepal's new coalition government formation, ruling party figures, notably Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) chairman K.P. Sharma Oli, dismiss such claims, attributing the coalition to domestic factors.
Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson Lin Jian expressed anticipation for Shrestha's visit, emphasising China's commitment to bolstering mutual cooperation, Belt and Road initiatives, and deepening strategic partnerships between the two nations.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to Shrestha’s visit during a regular press briefing in Beijing.
He emphasised the significance of the visit, stating, “The upcoming visit will be [Shrestha’s] first overseas visit after taking office as Nepal’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs.”
Lin expressed China's readiness to collaborate with Nepal during the visit, highlighting the opportunity to reinforce common understandings between the two nations' leaders, deepen political mutual trust, and enhance Belt and Road cooperation.
He further emphasised the importance of expanding exchanges and cooperation across various domains to foster a long-lasting strategic partnership between China and Nepal for development and prosperity.
Highlighting the historical ties between China and Nepal as "traditional friends and neighbours linked by mountains and rivers," Lin underscored the recent trend of close high-level exchanges and growing practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries.
He noted, "Our two sides maintained close coordination and collaboration in regional and international affairs." Lin referenced Prime Minister Prachanda's official visit to China last September, during which leaders of both nations reached significant agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Despite China's push for Nepal to sign a Belt and Road Initiative implementation plan, Nepal is hesitant, awaiting support from international stakeholders, including India and the US, ahead of an upcoming investment summit.
China's proactive engagement during Nepal's coalition formation underscores its optimism toward the Left-dominated government.
The new coalition's common minimum program prioritises an independent foreign policy aligned with the UN Charter and emphasises balanced relations with neighbouring and friendly nations.
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