KATHMANDU: China’s foreign ministry issued a statement emphasizing the strengthening of bilateral ties with Nepal following Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Tianjin State Guest House. The meeting coincided with Oli’s visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025.

During the talks, Prime Minister Oli reportedly raised Nepal’s objections to the China-India agreement to open a trade route through Lipulekh Pass, which he described as an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal, according to Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. However, the official statement from the Chinese foreign ministry side made no reference to Nepal’s position on the contentious route.

The statement highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, describing China and Nepal as neighbors “linked by mountains and rivers” and underscoring their shared commitment to peace, development, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. President Xi called for enhanced strategic trust, support on core interests, and expanded cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, education, health, artificial intelligence, and security, while promoting coordination in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and SCO.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry statement, Prime Minister Oli reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the one-China principle, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and the intention to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, tourism, and climate response. He also expressed support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, while welcoming China’s growing role in international affairs.