Kathmandu: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to embark on an official visit to China from December 2 to December 5, during which he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials. This visit is seen as a significant step in Nepal’s foreign diplomacy.

According to a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Oli’s high-level meetings with the Chinese President and Prime Minister will take place on December 3, the day after his arrival in Beijing. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and other strategic discussions.

The official announcement of the visit is anticipated on November 29 by both Kathmandu and Beijing. Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana is scheduled to leave for China on November 28 to finalize preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit.

This trip marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s diplomatic relations. Historically, Nepali prime ministers have prioritized visits to India as their first foreign trip, which has often been seen as a gesture to maintain close ties with its southern neighbor. However, Prime Minister Oli’s decision to visit China underscores his government’s intent to diversify Nepal’s foreign relations.

Experts have highlighted the need for Nepal to adopt a balanced foreign policy to maintain stable relations with both India and China. They also caution against taking loans with high-interest rates, citing the examples of debt crises in Sri Lanka and some African nations. Nepal is urged to carefully evaluate economic agreements to ensure sustainable development without risking economic sovereignty.

Prime Minister Oli’s visit is being closely observed by political analysts, who see it as a potential indicator of Nepal’s geopolitical alignment amidst growing competition between India and China in South Asia.