Beijing:
China on Wednesday mentioned that its close ties with Nepal, reinforced throughout the current take a look at of its Defence Minister to the Himalayan nation, will not impact “any third party”.
Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe met Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and held talks with Nepal Army Chief Gen. Purna Chandra Thapa on strategies to resume military cooperation and coaching impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout his take a look at on Sunday.
“We believe that our cooperation is in the benefit of both peoples and conducive to the socio-economic development in Nepal. This relationship will not affect any third party,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing right here on a query on Gen. Wei”s take a look at.
During his take a look at, Gen Wei, also a State Councillor, praised Nepal’s leadership for resolutely pursuing the so-referred to as “one-China” policy and provided firm help to the Himalayan nation in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, the defence ministry mentioned on Monday.
Under the “one-China” policy, Beijing emphasises other nations to recognise Taiwan and Tibet as component of China, it mentioned.
As China firmed up its ties with Nepal, which shares borders with Tibet, with heavy investments apart from loans and economic help, Beijing desires Kathmandu to cease the no cost-flow of Tibetans to travel to Dharamshala in India to meet Tibet’s highest spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, the statement mentioned.
Nepal also has a massive chunk of Tibetan population.
The 85-year-old Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a crackdown on an uprising by the neighborhood population in Tibet. India granted him political asylum and the Tibetan government-in-exile is primarily based on Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh given that then.
Asked about Nepal’s assurance to China that Nepalese soil would not be utilized for any anti-China activities and no matter whether Beijing perceives any threats emanating from Nepal, Hua skirted a direct response.
“China and Nepal are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and rivers. This year marks the 65th anniversary of our relations. We have been standing together in COVID-19 and we have been elevating our mutual trust and friendship. We will continue to enhance our cooperation and build BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) together and elevate relations,” she mentioned.
General Wei’s take a look at came days just after India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla wrapped up his maiden two-day take a look at to Nepal. In the initially week of November, Army Chief General MM Naravane paid a 3-day take a look at to Nepal aimed at resetting bilateral ties that came below extreme strain following a bitter border row amongst the two nations.