Editor's Note:
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, South Asia Network TV has carefully planned and launched this special series of reports. Seventy years may be a fleeting moment in the long course of history, yet for China-Nepal friendship, it represents a remarkable journey of shared achievements and deepening bonds.
Since establishing diplomatic ties, China and Nepal have engaged in extensive cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains. From jointly responding to natural disasters to building a trans-Himalayan, multi-dimensional connectivity network, their friendship has grown stronger through shared efforts. Culturally, exchanges in Buddhist traditions and the mutual celebration of traditional festivals have strengthened understanding and connection between the peoples of both nations.
South Asia Network TV will comprehensively present moving stories and notable achievements from the past 70 years of China-Nepal relations. We invite you to witness this valuable friendship that transcends the Himalayas and to explore future opportunities for even broader cooperation. Together, let us see how the friendship between China and Nepal continues to flourish in the new era.
Part 1: Seven Decades of Deep Friendship
The majestic Himalayas may tower high, but they have never stood in the way of the enduring friendship between China and Nepal. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1955, the two countries have cooperated harmoniously—like a duet of flowing water and towering mountains—achieving fruitful results in politics, economics, and culture. This friendship, transcending time and space, is a treasured legacy of both peoples and a model of equality and mutual benefit in international relations.
I. Historical Roots and the Establishment of Diplomatic Ties
The friendly exchanges between China and Nepal date back to ancient times. As early as the 4th century, people from both countries were already interacting. Buddhist cultural exchange became a key spiritual bridge connecting the two peoples. Eminent Chinese monks such as Fa xian of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Xuan zang of the Tang Dynasty traveled thousands of miles to study scriptures in Nepal (then known as "Nipoluo"). Their journeys and writings left behind invaluable historical records and testify to the long-standing cultural ties between the two nations.
In modern times, Nepal pursued an independent and autonomous foreign policy. Meanwhile, following the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese government—adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence—actively sought to build friendly relations with neighboring countries. With shared historical experiences and development aspirations, China and Nepal found common ground on the international stage. On August 1, 1955, the two nations officially established diplomatic relations—ushering in a new chapter and injecting renewed vitality into regional peace and stability.
In the early stages of their diplomatic relationship, China and Nepal faced many challenges. The international landscape was turbulent, dominated by Cold War mentalities, with some countries attempting to sow discord in Asia. Nevertheless, China and Nepal remained committed to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, understanding and supporting each other in safeguarding regional peace. This cooperation, grounded in shared interests and values, laid a solid foundation for long-term bilateral development.
II. Political Trust: High-Level Exchanges and Strategic Consensus
Over the past seventy years, high-level exchanges between China and Nepal have been frequent, deepening mutual political trust. Leaders from both sides have maintained close communication through visits and meetings, exchanging views on bilateral and regional issues and reaching broad consensus. These interactions have not only advanced bilateral relations but also created favorable conditions for international cooperation.
In March 1960, Premier Zhou Enlai visited Nepal and, together with King Mahendra, signed the Agreement on Border Issues between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Nepal and the Treaty of Friendship and Alliance between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Nepal. These landmark agreements resolved border issues and established a friendly alliance, charting a clear course for future bilateral relations. During the visit, Premier Zhou also proposed that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence be applied to China-Nepal relations—a proposal warmly welcomed by the Nepalese side.
Since then, high-level visits have continued. In 1979, Vice Premier Geng Biao of China visited Nepal. In 1986, King Birendra of Nepal visited China. In 1996, Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited Nepal. These visits fostered mutual understanding and friendship among leaders and promoted cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fields.
In the 21st century, high-level contacts have become even more frequent. In August 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping described China-Nepal relations as a model of mutual respect, equality, and benefit between neighbors during a speech to the Mongolian State Great Khural. In October 2019, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli visited China, and both sides issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of a “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-Lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity.” This marked a visionary blueprint for the future of bilateral relations.
From October 12 to 13, 2019, President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Nepal. The visit yielded substantial outcomes, injecting new momentum into China-Nepal relations and elevating their trans-Himalayan friendship to new heights—ushering in a new era of bilateral cooperation.
