Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Meet at Asian Games, Commit to Strengthening China-Nepal Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda held talks in Hangzhou, China, during the 19th Asian Games' opening ceremony. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between China and Nepal. President Xi emphasized China's importance of Nepal's relationship and expressed willingness to enhance development strategies and deepen cooperation in various fields.

PM Prachanda expressed gratitude for the invitation to the Asian Games' opening ceremony and stated that the event would strengthen relations and promote understanding among Asian nations. During the meeting, President Xi vowed to help Nepal transform from a landlocked country to a land-linked nation by facilitating infrastructure connectivity and transit transportation cooperation. The two countries have made progress with the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network and other Belt and Road projects, and President Xi urged efforts from both sides to promote infrastructure connectivity.

Critics have noted that some Chinese projects in Nepal, including border infrastructure, have faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Nepal signed a transport-transit agreement with China, selected nine Belt and Road projects, and presented the concept of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. China aims to reduce Nepal's dependence on India and expand its own influence.

President Xi emphasized the need for both countries to understand and support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns, solidifying the political foundation of their bilateral relations. PM Prachanda hailed President Xi as a visionary global leader and expressed Nepal's firm adherence to the one-China policy. Nepal will not allow any force to use its territory to undermine China's sovereignty and security.

Overall, the meeting between President Xi and PM Prachanda focused on strengthening the ties between China and Nepal, promoting infrastructure connectivity and transit transportation cooperation, and enhancing mutual understanding and support. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their bilateral relations.