Nepal–China Relations

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Nepal–China Relations

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Nepal–China Relations

Formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People's Republic of China were established on August 1, 1955. Relations are governed by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchasheel).

Key Historical Agreements

Boundary Treaty (1961): Signed on October 5, 1961 ($19\text{ Ashwin } 2018\text{ BS}$) by King Mahendra and President Liu Shaoqi, permanently settling the northern border, including Mount Everest.
Transit Transport Agreement (2016): Signed in March $2016$ during PM KP Sharma Oli's visit, ending Nepal's absolute transit dependence on India by granting access to Chinese sea and land ports. The Protocol was finalized in April 2019.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on BRI cooperation on May 12, 2017 ($29\text{ Baisakh } 2074\text{ BS}$).

Joint Projects & Border Points

Mount Everest Height Announcement: On December 8, 2020, Nepal and China jointly announced the revised official height of Mount Everest as $8,848.86\text{ m}$, resolving long-standing measurement discrepancies.
Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network: A framework encompassing railways, highways, ports, and telecommunications. The feasibility study for the Kerung–Kathmandu Railway is ongoing.
Key Border Ports: Rasuwagadhi–Kerung (Kyirong) and Tatopani–Khasa serve as primary international land custom crossings.

Strategic Stance

One-China Policy: Nepal consistently maintains a strict commitment to the "One-China Policy," recognizing Tibet and Taiwan as inalienable parts of China, and prohibiting any anti-China activities on its soil.