Tianjin: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed Nepal’s strong objection to the China-India agreement to open a trade route through the Lipulek pass.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the meeting took place at the Tianjin State Guest House as PM Oli arrived to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. PM Oli emphasized that Lipulek pass is an inseparable part of sovereign Nepal and opposed its use as a trade route between China and India. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai shared that the Prime Minister highlighted that all lands east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty of 1816. PM Oli conveyed Nepal’s expectation of China’s support in this matter.
PM Oli further asserted, “As Nepal is clear not to let its land be used against any other country; it equally expresses its objection to the consensus by other countries about its (Nepal’s) land.” In response, Chinese President Xi indicated that he agreed with Nepal’s stance and advocated for resolving the issue through dialogue between Nepal and India, as mentioned by Foreign Secretary Rai.
The meeting also covered discussions on enhancing friendly relations and cooperation between Nepal and China, with a consensus to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations. This marks PM Oli’s fourth formal visit to China as Prime Minister and his second visit in 2025.
Additionally, the leaders deliberated on accelerating the implementation of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and fostering Nepal’s socioeconomic development through these projects, as stated by PM Oli’s Economic and Development Advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada. Dr. Khatiwada noted China’s positive stance on opening more border points and supporting quality and commercial agricultural production to boost Nepal’s exports to China. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to transforming landlocked Nepal into a land-linked nation.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including former Deputy Prime Minister and House of Representatives Member Purna Bahadur Khadka, Minister for Education Raghuji Pant, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, Dr. Khatiwada, former Minister and HoR Member Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Secretary Rai, Nepal’s Ambassador to China Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, and China’s Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song.