KATHMANDU: China has commended Nepali government’s decision not to move ahead on the State Partnership Program (SPP) with the United States, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on the issue, Xinhua reported.

Wang said that the program had been widely controversial in Nepal, as various political parties and factions, the government, the army and people across the Nepalese society see the SPP as a military and security initiative closely linked to the Indo-Pacific Strategy, it said.

“As Nepal’s friendly and close neighbor and strategic cooperative partner, China commends the Nepali government’s decision,” Wang said, adding that China will continue to support Nepal in upholding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and support Nepal’s commitment to its independent and non-aligned foreign policy.

“China stands ready to work with Nepal to jointly safeguard regional security, stability and shared prosperity,” said the spokesperson.