Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel exchanged congratulatory messages on Friday, celebrating seven decades of diplomatic relations between their nations. The milestone highlights enduring cross-Himalayan cooperation amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Asia.
In his message, Xi emphasized China's commitment to deepening strategic trust and fostering 'high-quality Belt and Road cooperation' with Nepal. Poudel reciprocated, praising China's role in Nepal's infrastructure development and disaster response efforts since establishing ties in 1955.
The anniversary comes as bilateral trade reaches $2.1 billion in 2023, with China emerging as Nepal's largest foreign investor. Recent collaborations include cross-border power grid projects and upgraded transport links through the Himalayan mountains.
Analysts note the relationship balances Nepal's economic needs with its strategic position between China and India. 'This partnership demonstrates how smaller nations can maintain sovereignty while engaging major powers,' said Kathmandu-based geopolitical researcher Meena Bhattarai.
Cultural ties remain strong, with over 300,000 Chinese tourists visiting Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage sites last year. Both leaders pledged to expand educational exchanges and Buddhist pilgrimage routes in their anniversary statements.
