Nepal PM Begins Landmark Visit to China, Prioritizing Beijing Over New Delhi

Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli departed for China on Monday, marking his first bilateral visit since taking office in July. His decision to prioritize Beijing over the traditional practice of visiting India first underscores a significant shift in Nepal’s diplomatic approach.

Oli, accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya, waved to officials at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu before boarding his flight. The four-day trip includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with a focus on bolstering bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Suvanga Parajuli confirmed that Oli would land in Beijing later on Monday evening. “This visit signals Nepal’s intent to deepen its engagement with China,” Parajuli said.

Historically, Nepal has balanced its foreign relations between its two powerful neighbors, India and China. However, Oli has shown a tendency to lean toward Beijing, seeking to reduce Nepal’s heavy reliance on India. This trip aims to solidify Nepal’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and to discuss cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning previewed the visit last week, stating, “The two countries’ leaders will have in-depth exchanges on expanding Belt and Road cooperation, deepening traditional friendship, and fostering collaborations in various fields.”

Discussions will also focus on prior Chinese investment in Nepal, including the construction of the international airport in Pokhara. There is speculation that Nepal may request the Chinese loan funding the project to be converted into a grant, according to local media reports.

Pradeep Gyawali, deputy secretary of Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML), highlighted the importance of advancing these investment deals. “This visit will reinforce Nepal’s economic partnerships with China,” he said.

Oli’s decision to visit China first appears to have been influenced by the absence of a formal invitation from India. While India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for 65% of Nepal’s trade in the 2023-24 fiscal year, China’s influence is growing.

Chinese firms dominate certain sectors, including the electric vehicle market, where they hold a 70% share. Additionally, while India led foreign investments with over $750 million last year, China contributed $250 million, according to Nepal’s central bank.

Oli’s visit underscores Nepal’s efforts to diversify its economic and diplomatic relationships, signaling a potential recalibration of its traditional alliances.

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