KATHMANDU: Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai has reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the One China principle and reiterated that Nepali territory will not be allowed to be used against China’s interests.
He said Nepal-China diplomatic relations are founded on the principles of Panchasheel, good neighbourliness, mutual partnership, cooperation, equality, and respect for each other’s sensitivities.
Speaking at a program organised in Kathmandu on Thursday to mark the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and the award ceremony of the 2026 Nepal-China Friendship Short Video Competition, Rai said the anniversary was “not merely an entry in the diplomatic calendar, but a reflection of our enduring relationship.”
Rai noted that over the past seven decades, bilateral ties have expanded from traditional relations and cultural exchanges to a comprehensive partnership aimed at shared prosperity.
According to him, high-level visits and exchanges at different levels have added dynamism and vitality to all aspects of Nepal-China relations and further strengthened bilateral friendship.
He also said that, beyond bilateral engagement, Nepal and China remain committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order and have cooperated in various multilateral forums on issues of common interest.
Rai stated that Nepal is proud of China’s remarkable economic achievements and, as a close neighbour and good friend, seeks to learn from China’s experience and deepen economic cooperation with its rapidly growing economy.
Highlighting progress in trade, investment, infrastructure development, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people ties, Rai said Nepal would give importance to the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network and its early implementation.
On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Nepal and China have respected, trusted, and supported each other regardless of changes in the international environment, becoming good neighbours, good friends, and good partners who stand together in both good times and difficult times.
He said political mutual trust has deepened since the formation of Nepal’s new government and that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is advancing with tangible outcomes.
Ambassador Maoming added that new progress has been made in trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure, communication, energy, agriculture, education, health, and tourism. He said a growing number of Chinese tourists are visiting Nepal to experience its unique natural beauty.
According to the ambassador, these simple yet warm exchanges between the peoples of the two countries form the true foundation of contemporary Nepal-China relations.
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