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The government of Nepal said that it is firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the Parliament of Nepal in 2020.

Issuing a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Nepal stands firm and clear on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by the Parliament of Nepal in 2020".

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the clarification in response to the media queries regarding the “2023 edition of the standard map of China” released on 28 August 2023.

“The Government of Nepal unequivocally believes that this map must be respected by our neighbors as well as the international community,” the statement reads.

Nepal remains committed to resolve the boundary matters through dialogues and diplomacy.

Passenger movement through the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk district bordering China has resumed from today, after a hiatus of eight years.

Locals of Sindhupalchowk obtaining a permit from the Tatopani-based Immigration Office set out towards China crossing the 'Miteri Pul' (Friendship Bridge) at Liping, the local market leading up to the Miteri Pul after security clearance from Chinese security personnel.

The locals' team led by lawmaker Madhav Sapkota received a warm welcome from the Chinese people.

Sapkota, who reached the bordering point with people's representatives from the Tatopani area, officials from the Immigration Office this morning, said that the border point is fully open from today.

The border point that remained closed since the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015, however, saw movement of goods-carrying vehicles since May 1 this year. 

The transit point has been opened for the people’s movement, said CDO of Sindhupalchowk, Ramesh Neupane, after raising the issue repeatedly in the Parliament and subsequent discussions from Nepali side with the China side.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chan Song called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday. The Chinese Ambassador had reached Baluwatar to meet the Prime Minister this morning.

At a time when the preparations are going on for the China visit, Ambassador Chan discussed possible agendas after meeting Prime Minister Dahal.

According to a source, the duo held a serious discussion for around one hour about the China visit.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal and Ambassador Chan also discussed the issue about taking the BRI Project ahead.

The Chinese government has lobbied the Nepal government to build three industrial parks under the BRI Project.

All the issues to be raised during the visit have only been discussed, an official at the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding, “The agendas have not been finalized. But there is pressure from China to take the BRI Project ahead.”

Prime Minister Dahal has also expressed his concern with Ambassador Chan over the map made public recently by China, a source said.

China has also included the maps of some neighboring countries in its map made public recently.

But China has included the old map of Nepal while releasing its map.

The Chinese map released on Monday has included Nepal’s old map instead of the pointed spur.

China’s move has been widely criticized in Nepal.

While amending the Constitution on June 13, 2030, the Parliament had allowed to release the pointed spur of Nepal map by including Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh.

All the political parties had become united to amend the Constitution at that time.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah had also canceled his scheduled five-day visit to China saying that the pointed spur map of Nepal was not given the importance.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will leave for China from New York in the United States on September 23.

The Prime Minister is leaving for the United States to take part in the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government has accorded top priorities to the accomplishments of social justice, good governance and prosperity goals.

In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Gaijatra and Janai Purnima (Rakshabandhan) festival today, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to combating corruption, misconduct and mismanagement to pave the way for establishing good governance.

"The government is making efforts to bring a quality change among the lives of citizens," the head of the government said, adding that its focus was on reviving the economy affected by pandemic, global geopolitical crisis and internal limitations for managerial skills.

In the message, he said since ancient times, Nepal has remained a symbol of religious tolerance, social harmony, and unity among various castes, languages, cultures, and civilizations, adding that such diversities were the reasons for its unique identity and self-esteem for the Nepalis.

He expressed his hope that the festival would inspire all the Nepalis to realize the needs for nation building and for promoting family happiness, social goodwill, and unity.

Furthermore, he extended his wishes for joy, peace, prosperity, and sustained progress for all Nepalis within the country and abroad on the occasion of this festival.