TIANJIN: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to China, visited a special rice production hub in Jinan district of Tianjin on Sunday.

His secretariat confirmed the tour, highlighting agricultural cooperation as one of the key areas of interest during the trip.

Oli’s China visit coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which began on August 30.

He is attending the gathering of regional leaders to strengthen Nepal’s diplomatic and economic engagement.

Soon after his arrival, Oli held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting was seen as an important diplomatic engagement, where bilateral ties, trade, and regional security were discussed.

According to diplomatic sources, Prime Minister Oli also brought up the sensitive issue of Lipulekh, a border point that Nepal claims as its own.

The controversy arose after India and China agreed to conduct trade through the route without Nepal’s consultation.

In response, President Xi reportedly clarified that China does not wish to be involved in disputes between Nepal and India, suggesting Beijing’s preference for maintaining neutrality on sensitive bilateral matters.

Oli’s China visit, made at the invitation of President Xi, will continue until Wednesday.

He is expected to hold further high-level meetings and explore avenues for cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and agriculture.