China’s cooperation in Himalayan disaster is commendable, we are committed to One-China policy: Minister Khanal

September 13, Kathmandu.

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal thanked the government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese people for providing humanitarian assistance and solidarity during the recent Himalayan disaster.

Addressing a program titled ‘Nepal-China Relations: Expanding Horizons of Cooperation’ under ‘Kasthamandap Dialogue, Series-3’ which began on Saturday in Kathmandu, he stated that while political boundaries separate countries, the Himalayas and their ecosystem are interconnected.

He emphasized the need for shared responsibility, preparedness, and regional cooperation, stating that environmental risks and disasters are not limited to national borders.

Discussing Nepal-China relations, Foreign Minister Khanal presented geography as an important basis for the relationship between the two countries. However, he believed that geography alone does not determine the future of the relationship.

He mentioned that Nepal and China have centuries-old civilizational ties developed through cross-border communities, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the One-China policy, making it clear that Nepali territory would not be allowed to be used against China’s legitimate security interests.

Minister Khanal emphasized the need to transform the traditional goodwill between the two countries into practical cooperation.

Recalling the strategic partnership established in 2019, he stated that cooperation based on expanding connectivity networks, facilitating cross-border trade, technology transfer, and shared prosperity should be further strengthened.

Appreciating China’s progress in the field of technology, he called for further cooperation in innovation, laboratories, research, and knowledge exchange.

He believed that such cooperation would help Nepal utilize its demographic dividend.

He highlighted the need to include ecological aspects in traditional border management. He stated that closer cooperation between Nepal and China is essential for managing shared Himalayan risks, expanding connectivity, and building disaster-resilient border infrastructure.

Khanal highlighted the importance of intellectual and academic dialogue in bilateral relations. He called for increased participation of Chinese scholars and academics in Nepal’s educational and policy discussions.

He believed that continuous academic exchange deepens mutual understanding and contributes to the formulation of more fact-based and mature foreign policy. He expressed confidence in the future of Nepal-China relations and reiterated the Nepali government’s commitment to deepening the partnership.

For More: China Himalayan Disaster Cooperation