Kishor: Nepal-China ties most reliable, mutually respectful in Asia

Editor's note:

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, Kishor Shrestha, Editor in Chief of the Jana Aastha National Weekly in Nepal, contributed an article on bilateral ties to YICC. He thinks the China-Nepal friendship is one of the most reliable and mutually respectful partnerships in Asia. Here is the text.

70 Years of Nepal-China Friendship: Reflecting on the Past and Charting a Shared Future

--Kishor Shrestha, Editor in Chief (Jana Aastha National Weekly) Nepal

The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China. For Nepal, the relationship with China has always carried both historical depth and strategic significance. Over the decades, this friendship has matured into one of the most reliable and mutually respectful partnerships in Asia, built upon the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and enduring cultural ties.

 

The eastern part of the Himalayas that stand between China and Nepal. Photo/Yunnan Daily

A Legacy of Traditional Friendship

Long before 1955, when our two nations formally established diplomatic relations, Nepal and China were connected through a vibrant tapestry of cultural, religious, and trade interactions. From the early exchanges between the Lichchabi and Tang dynasties to the historic journeys of Nepali artisans and scholars to Tibet and beyond, our friendship is anchored in centuries of mutual respect.

One of the most notable symbols of this traditional bond is the story of Arniko, the 13th-century Nepali architect who built iconic pagodas and Buddhist monuments in Yuan dynasty China, leaving a legacy that still inspires cultural memory.

Even in the modern era, Nepal has maintained a careful and dignified friendship with China. Nepal-China friendship has been a story of trust, neighborly support, and shared aspirations for regional harmony.

Seventy Years of Remarkable Achievements

The past seven decades have witnessed significant milestones that reflect the evolution of Nepal-China relations from traditional ties to a multi-dimensional strategic partnership. Three key areas stand out: first Belt and Road Cooperation and Infrastructure Development, second Economic and Trade Exchanges, and third Cultural and People-to-People connection.

Nepal formally joined President Xi Jinping's Far sighted visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2017 & signed BRI implementation framework last year with firm commitment, marking a new era of connectivity-driven partnership. Several projects under this framework have aimed to transform Nepal from a "landlocked" to a “land-linked” nation.

Chinese businesses are involved in a range of sectors including hydropower, e-commerce, telecommunications, and infrastructure. A prime example is the Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed with Chinese support and officially opened in 2023. This state-of-the-art facility is already enhancing connectivity and attracting tourists to Nepal’s beautiful western regions.

In the field of economic and trade relations, the last 70 years have seen gradual but meaningful progress. China has consistently emerged as one of Nepal’s top trading partners. Beyond trade in goods, Chinese investment in hydropower, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing has created new avenues for economic cooperation.

Tourism remains a key sector of collaboration. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese ranked among the top five nationalities visiting Nepal, bringing not only economic benefits but also deeper cultural exchanges. Cross-border trade facilitation agreements and China’s assistance in upgrading customs facilities along the northern border are further expanding the commercial linkages between the two nations.

Perhaps the most enduring pillar of our bilateral relationship is the people-to-people connection. Educational cooperation has flourished, with an increasing number of Nepali students pursuing higher education in China under scholarships and exchange programs. Language institutes, Confucius Institutes, and cultural festivals have further strengthened mutual understanding.

Sister-city partnerships—such as those between Lalitpur and Xining or Pokhara and Kunming—serve as bridges for tourism, urban development exchanges, and cultural festivals. This web of human interaction ensures that the Nepal-China relationship is not confined to high-level diplomacy but thrives among ordinary citizens who carry the spirit of friendship across borders.

Future Opportunities and Shared Aspirations

Seventy years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China are a story of trust, resilience, and shared aspirations. From the legacy of Arniko and the spiritual exchanges of our ancestors to the modern corridors of trade and connectivity under the BRI, the journey reflects a partnership that has grown stronger with time. As Nepal and China step into the next chapter of their bilateral journey, the opportunities for deeper engagement are vast. The coming decades should focus on five strategic pillars.

First, green and sustainable development must become a central theme. Both nations share the ecology of the Himalayas, and joint initiatives in climate adaptation, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation can transform our environmental vulnerabilities into opportunities for collaboration. Chinese investment in solar and hydropower projects, combined with Nepal’s rich water resources, can contribute to regional energy security while meeting global climate goals.

Second, the digital economy and technological cooperation offer new frontiers for engagement. As Nepal seeks to modernize its economy and promote e-governance, Chinese expertise in 5G technology, e-commerce, and smart infrastructure can play a transformative role. Cross-border digital platforms for trade, tourism promotion, and education would align with Nepal’s aspiration to leapfrog into the digital age.

Third, enhanced regional integration and security cooperation will be essential in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network—if fully realized—will not only connect Nepal to China but also to Central Asia and beyond, enhancing Nepal’s role as a bridge between South and East Asia. In parallel, continued dialogue on disaster management, cross-border security, and anti-smuggling measures will safeguard the mutual trust that defines this relationship.

Fourth, cooperation in poverty reduction and rural revitalization. As a country aspiring to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and become a middle-income nation, Nepal stands to benefit enormously from China’s experience in poverty reduction, rural revitalization, and technological advancement. However, the next phase of cooperation must be strategic, inclusive, and sustainable. Infrastructure development should prioritize environmental standards, benefit local communities, and create long-term jobs. Transparent planning and open communication with civil society will help ensure that major projects under the BRI are embraced and respected by the public.

Fifth, future collaboration in education and research. Nepali and Chinese universities as well as media fraternity should engage in more joint research initiatives & positive reporting—especially in fields such as climate change, renewable energy, public health, and Himalayan ecology. These are global challenges that require transnational cooperation, and both countries can offer unique insights. Cultural diplomacy must also evolve with the times. With the advent of digital platforms and AI, youth from both countries have new ways to connect, collaborate, and share stories. Exchanges in art, music, film, literature, and even gaming can redefine what people-to-people ties mean in the 21st century.

As a Nepali scholar who has observed this evolution of China from my first visit of 1991 to 85th trip of last June, I believe the Nepal-China relations in the next decades hold even greater promise. The 70th anniversary is not merely a commemoration of the past—it is a call to envision a future where the Himalayas unite us in prosperity and mutual respect.