Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Shishir Khanal, is set to travel to China next week following his visit to India. According to local reports, Khanal will head to Beijing on June 14, with official meetings scheduled for June 15 and 16.
During his visit, Khanal is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Liu Haixing, the head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. Additionally, he will meet with members of the Nepali diaspora and is slated to return on June 17.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal has not yet officially disclosed the dates and agenda for Khanal’s visit to China. The government of Nepal aims to maintain balanced relations with both India and China, emphasizing the principles of its foreign policy.
In the annual budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, Nepal outlined its commitment to fostering balanced foreign relations for mutual benefit, national dignity, and sovereign interests, leveraging soft power to enhance economic prosperity. Former Nepali ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, highlighted the significance of Khanal’s visit for China to gauge Nepal’s stance on key issues.
Shrestha emphasized China’s interests in projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal, particularly in the areas of connectivity, communication, and climate. Nepal’s policy of maintaining “equal distance and equal proximity” with all nations underscores its pursuit of global peace.
Nepal’s diplomatic strategy includes engaging in trilateral economic partnerships and regional connectivity to advance national interests while positioning the country as an independent, neutral, and non-aligned nation on the global stage. Khanal recently concluded a successful visit to India, where agreements were reached on various matters, including cross-border digital payment systems.
