Defiant in Diplomacy: Nepal’s PM Oli Challenges India-China Deal on Lipulekh Trade Route During Critical Meeting with Xi Jinping

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed serious concerns regarding a recent agreement between India and China that designates Lipulekh as a trade route. During a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, Oli formally raised objections about the use of Lipulekh, which Nepal claims as its territory. The information was shared by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Amrit Bahadur Rai, who noted that the Prime Minister emphasized the position of Nepal during discussions.

Oli’s objection comes amid rising tensions over the territory, with India dismissing Nepal’s claims as “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.” In his statement, Oli expressed confidence that China would cooperate with Nepal on this matter. “Nepal believes that China will cooperate with Nepal in this regard,” he stated, underscoring his nation’s stance.

China has yet to publicly address the issue, and an official statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not reference the Lipulekh matter. Instead, the focus of the meeting seemed to revolve around strengthening bilateral relations. Representatives from both nations affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding.

In the same discussion, Oli and Xi pledged to deepen their diplomatic ties, agreeing on the necessity to advance bilateral mechanisms aimed at fostering further cooperation. A press release from the Nepalese Embassy in China noted that Prime Minister Oli expressed optimism about accelerating the implementation of various projects previously agreed upon, particularly those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He called for support in several areas critical to Nepal’s development, including fertilizers, petroleum exploration, human resources, climate resilience, and fostering people-to-people connections.

On the other hand, the Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted that cooperation between China and Nepal regarding the Belt and Road Initiative is steadily progressing. Xi Jinping noted the need to enhance strategic mutual trust and support one another on issues that are of core interest to both countries. He emphasized the importance of working together in sectors such as industry, agriculture, new energy, environmental protection, and health, which could be pivotal for regional stability and growth.

Oli remarked on the historical resilience of Nepal-China relations, indicating that they have strengthened over time despite various challenges. This meeting appears to reflect the ongoing efforts of both nations to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while fostering collaborative growth and strategic partnerships.

As tensions surrounding territorial claims continue, the international community will be closely watching how this situation unfolds, especially in light of the growing Chinese influence in the region and its implications for Nepal’s relationship with both China and India.

This evolving dynamic showcases the delicate balance of power in South Asia, highlighting the intricate interplay of diplomacy, national interests, and regional cooperation.

Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/nepal-pm-oli-raises-objection-to-india-china-deal-to-use-lipulekh-as-trade-route-at-meeting-with-xi-jinping-11756584123338.html
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Publish Date: 2025-08-31 01:50:00