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The Chinese government is to provide Rs 11 billion in grants for the implementation of the Ring Road Expansion (Second Phase). 

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development, Minister of Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development Sunil Lamsal and Ambassador of China to Nepal Zhang Maoming signed the agreement today. 

In line with the agreement, the Ring Road will now be extended from Kalanki to Basundhara. 

In the first phase, it has been extended from Koteshwor to Kalanki.

On that occasion, Minister Lamsal said that no problems would be allowed in project implementation and, if any arose, immediate facilitation would be provided to resolve them.

He mentioned that the construction of roads connecting the north and south is a government priority and expressed confidence that China will further increase its investment in the country's infrastructure development.

Ambassador Zhang stated that many Chinese investors are willing to come here if an environment conducive for investment is created.

Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove Gulf states' desired green light to use force to protect the key shipping lane, AFP reported. 

The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states "regret" the outcome.

Iran has imposed an effective blockade on the critical waterway since the United States and Israel launched the war on February 28, sending ripple effects throughout the global economy, according to AFP. 

China has expressed its commitment to work with Nepal’s new government in the country’s journey toward economic transformation and development. 

Beijing has also expressed confidence that a stable government to be formed for the next five years will fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the Nepali people for prosperity and good governance. 

It has further stated that Nepal’s development ambitions can be realized by enhancing cooperation and partnerships in tourism, investment, infrastructure, and green development.

While briefing selected journalists from mainstream media at his office on Tuesday evening about the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress of China, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that China stands ready to work with Nepal’s new government to further strengthen bilateral relations, RSS reported. 

He stated that China, which has long been a development partner of Nepal, will continue to extend support in line with the aspirations of the Nepali people, prioritize Nepal’s socio-economic development, and implement agreements reached during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal. 

He also reiterated China’s continued support for safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting the immense potential in the tourism sector, Ambassador Zhang said that improving tourism-related infrastructure could attract a larger number of Chinese tourists to Nepal. 

He also noted that while Chinese investors are interested in investing in Nepal’s hotel and restaurant sectors, they face challenges related to investment security, policy clarity, and bureaucratic hurdles.

According to RSS, he emphasized that prioritizing tourism as a key driver of economic growth and enhancing bilateral cooperation in this sector could significantly accelerate Nepal’s development in a short period. 

He also pointed out that tea processing, packaging, and branding could emerge as another important avenue for Nepal’s economic progress, with potential for Chinese cooperation.

Stating that Nepal could benefit from China’s technological advancements, he stressed the importance of promoting green development and related industries. 

He added that a one-stop policy framework for trade and investment could attract more Chinese investors.

Reaffirming his commitment to further strengthening the centuries-old Nepal–China relationship, Ambassador Zhang said China is ready to work closely with Nepal’s new government on shared agendas of development and prosperity. 

He expressed confidence that a stable government over the next five years would guide Nepal toward development and reiterated China’s support in helping Nepal graduate from the group of Least Developed Countries, RSS stated. 

He also noted that with only two neighboring countries, Nepal would not face difficulty in implementing a balanced foreign policy. 

He expressed confidence that the new government would formulate policies and programs in line with public aspirations to improve living standards and fulfill development goals.

In this context, Ambassador Zhang stated that China stands ready to work with all members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. 

He added that China is prepared to participate in the reform and development of the global governance system and make the international order more just and equitable.

Regarding Kalapani, he clarified that it is a bilateral issue between Nepal and India and should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. "It is a dispute between Nepal and China. China attaches great importance to Nepal and we understand Nepal's position", he said. 

He suggested that the Nepal–India mechanism at the level of foreign secretaries could be activated to find a solution.

Expressing confidence that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would support Nepal’s economic development, he said cooperation could be expanded in agriculture, improving living standards, infrastructure development, and investment. 

He also emphasized the need to fully utilize the tariff concessions provided by China and expressed readiness to support the export of a wider range of Nepali products beyond agricultural goods. 

He noted that there is ample potential for expanding trade and that he has been working with a focus on strengthening bilateral partnership, according to RSS. 

Nepal–China diplomatic and economic relations have grown stronger in recent years. 

Established in 1955, the relationship is based on mutual respect, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the principles of peaceful coexistence. 

Nepal regards China as a reliable development partner and a true friend, and China’s continued support in various sectors has made the relationship more practical and result-oriented. Nepal also remains firmly committed to the “One China Principle,” which China highly appreciates.

Bilateral relations have increasingly moved toward multi-dimensional cooperation, particularly under the concept of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which aims to transform Nepal from a landlocked country to a land-linked country. 

Key projects include the proposed Kerung–Kathmandu railway, upgrading of the Kodari–Zhangmu road, and expansion of north–south economic corridors.

Efforts are also underway to enhance cross-border trade through the upgrading of Tatopani–Zhangmu and Rasuwagadhi points, expansion of dry ports, and improvement of air connectivity. 

Increased flights via Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports are expected to boost tourism and people-to-people ties. 

Cooperation is also expanding in digital, energy, and telecommunications sectors.

Since Nepal joined the BRI in 2017, collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and connectivity has further strengthened. 

During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in 2019, more than 20 agreements were signed, upgrading bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.

This cooperation has had positive impacts in energy, hydropower, health, education, green development, and cultural sectors. 

Coordination has also been strengthened in border management, security cooperation, and control of illegal activities.

The growing strategic importance of Nepal–China relations is expected to contribute significantly to trade expansion, economic transformation, and diversification of transit routes, reducing dependence on a single transit system.

The Communist Party of China has moved swiftly to engage Nepal's emerging political leadership following the landslide victory of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the March 5 parliamentary election, signaling a pragmatic shift in Beijing's Nepal policy amid a  changing political landscape.
In a congratulatory message from the CPC's International Department, Beijing underscored its readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation, describing Nepal and China as countries “connected by mountains and rivers” with a long-standing friendship. The CPC has indicated that the RSP is not an entirely unfamiliar political actor, noting that engagements between the two sides had taken place over the past few years.

The message reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing a strategic partnership focused on development, prosperity, and high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Notably, the CPC expressed confidence in RSP leaders Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah, signaling an early effort to build rapport with Nepal's new political power center. It also highlighted ongoing party-to-party exchanges, suggesting Beijing is keen to institutionalize ties with the relatively new political force.

The electoral setback suffered by Nepal's traditional communist forces—particularly the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Nepal Communist Party—marks a significant turning point in both domestic politics and Nepal's external relations. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Beijing stepped up engagement with communist parties, especially the CPN-UML and the Maoist party, whose leaderships advocated for closer political and economic ties with China.

For over a decade, Beijing relied heavily on these ideologically aligned parties as stable partners. Leaders such as KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal played a central role in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through Nepal's participation in the BRI.

Under communist-led governments, Nepal signed the BRI Memorandum of Understanding in 2017 and a framework agreement in 2025, reflecting strong political commitment to Chinese-backed infrastructure development. These administrations also facilitated unusually close ideological exchanges with Beijing, including engagement around Xi Jinping Thought.

The decline of these parties therefore represents more than an electoral shift—it disrupts a diplomatic architecture that provided China with both ideological alignment and policy continuity.

Nepal's political landscape is now more fragmented, with traditional parties losing dominance and newer actors gaining ground. The rise of the RSP reflects growing public demand for governance reform and a break from entrenched political elites.

For Beijing, this shift complicates its long-standing approach of engaging Nepal primarily through ideologically sympathetic partners. While China has begun outreach to other actors, including the Nepali Congress, its relationships with newer political figures remain relatively underdeveloped.

Emerging leaders such as Balendra Shah have also demonstrated a more assertive posture on sovereignty and foreign engagement, including decisions to cancel China visits and distance themselves from certain embassy-backed initiatives. This evolving stance signals a potential recalibration in Nepal's foreign policy tone.

China's economic and strategic interests in Nepal, especially under the BRI framework, may face new headwinds. A coalition government without strong communist representation could slow project implementation, increase scrutiny of existing agreements, and demand greater transparency in development cooperation.

Analysts suggest that new political actors may seek to renegotiate or delay previously signed agreements, potentially introducing friction into bilateral economic ties. Several incidents following the GenZ movement have heightened Beijing's concerns, especially the recent burning of Xi Jinping's book in Biratnagar.

Despite these uncertainties, Beijing's core strategic concerns remain unchanged. Tibet-related issues continue to be central, with China expecting Nepal's adherence to the One-China principle and vigilance against activities linked to figures such as the Dalai Lama.

China's initial response to Nepal’s latest political development has been measured. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised Nepal for conducting a smooth and peaceful election and reiterated Beijing's commitment to cooperation. Analysts, however, note that this diplomatic composure likely masks deeper strategic concerns.

Going forward, China is expected to recalibrate rather than retreat. This may involve expanding engagement with the RSP, strengthening ties with Nepal's military and bureaucratic institutions, and adopting a less ideologically driven approach to diplomacy. Beijing may also continue leveraging its relationship with figures like Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who remains politically relevant and maintains connections across party lines.

Ultimately, the post-election landscape signals a “new normal” in China-Nepal relations—one defined less by ideological alignment and more by pragmatic engagement, institutional diversification, and cautious recalibration.

The first passenger train service between China and North Korea after a six-year hiatus is scheduled to set off from Beijing on March 12, part of a series of moves by China to shore up cross-border infrastructure and rebuild bilateral ties, Reuters reported. 

Following a 24 hour and 41 minute journey skirting north of the Bohai Sea and a stopover in China’s northeastern border city of Dandong, train K27 from Beijing is scheduled to arrive in Pyongyang at 6.07pm on March 13, according to a March 10 notice from China’s railway authority. 

China and North Korea are “friendly neighbours” and a cross-border passenger train service facilitates people-to-people exchanges between the two, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters on March 11, according to Reuters. 

The US has launched a new investigation into some of its biggest trading partners after the Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Donald Trump's tariffs policies last month, BBC reported. 

On Wednesday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Section 301 unfair trade practices probe could lead to new tariffs against countries including China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico by this summer.

The probe could allow the US to impose tariffs on goods from any of the countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices, according to BBC. 

Passenger trains between China and North Korea will resume service on Thursday, reviving a transport link that was shuttered for six years due to the pandemic, China's rail operator said, BBC reported. 

Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will operate four times a week, while the service between the Chinese border city of Dandong and the North Korean capital will run daily, China Railway said in a notice late Tuesday.

The train services are "a moving link that strengthens the friendship between China and North Korea," China Railway said, according to BBC. 

China's exports surged in the first two months of this year despite trade tensions with the US, BBC reported. 

Official figures show exports jumped by more than 20% in January and February, which is almost three times the rate predicted by economists. It puts the country on track to top the record-breaking annual trade surplus it saw in 2025.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in early April to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, according to BBC. 

China congratulated Nepal on the peaceful, orderly, and smooth House of Representatives election.

It praised the Nepali people for exercising their democratic rights and acknowledged the efforts of the authorities and all sectors involved.

China wished Nepal stability, development, and prosperity, and expressed that it always stands with Nepal.

China has cut its annual economic growth target to a range of 4.5%-5%, the lowest expansion goal since 1991 as it grapples with challenges both at home and abroad, BBC reported. 

It is the first time the target has been lowered since it was cut to "around 5%" in 2023. A target was not set in 2020 due to uncertainties caused by the pandemic.

The announcement was made during China's biggest political gathering, known as the "two sessions", alongside some details of the 15th Five Year Plan for the world's second largest economy were released, according to BBC. 

China has urged for an immediate ceasefire after the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the strikes and urged all sides to avoid escalation and to resume dialogue and negotiation. In a statement yesterday, the ministry said Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected, Reuters reported. 

China’s state-run news agency called Washington’s use of military coercion was a flagrant violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and a departure from fundamental norms of international relations. China’s embassy in Israel has issued a notice advising Chinese citizens in Israel to evacuate to safer areas within the country as soon as possible or to leave for Egypt via the Taba border crossing. China’s foreign ministry also urged Chinese citizens in Iran to leave as soon as possible, listing four land routes to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq.

The Chinese government is to provide USD four million to Nepal for the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5. 

A Cabinet meeting held today decided to accept the amount to be received as the grant. 

Government Spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal also took the decision to approve the investment model for Budhigandaki Project as mentioned in current fiscal year's budget and programme.  

Similarly, Chief Judge of Kathmandu District Court, Diwakar Bhatta, has been appointed Chairperson of Consumer Court Kathmandu with the responsibility of overseeing the functions of Kathmandu District Court as well.  

The meeting also declared the public holidays for 2083 BS as well as to form Gen Z Council, he added.

A senior US official on Tuesday revealed what he said were new details of an underground nuclear test blast that China allegedly conducted in June 2020, Reuters reported. 

Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw told an event at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington that a remote seismic station in Kazakhstan measured an “explosion” of magnitude 2.75 located 450 miles (720 km) away at the Lop Nur test grounds in western China on June 22, 2020.

“I’ve looked at additional data since then. There is very little possibility I would say that it is anything but an explosion, a singular explosion,” said Yeaw, adding that the data were not consistent with mining blasts, according to Reuters. 

UK and Canadian nationals will be able to travel to mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa from 17 February, BBC reported.

China's foreign ministry said visa-free entry would be permitted for tourism, business or visits to family and friends, with the policy set to stay in effect initially until 31 December.

It follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official visit to China last month, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed travel rules would be relaxed, according to BBC. 

China is the real threat to security and is hypocritically claiming to uphold UN principles of peace, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Feb 15 in a rebuff to comments by China's top diplomat at the Munich Security Conference, Reuters reported. 

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a view the government in Taipei rejects, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing the annual security conference on Feb 14, warned that some countries were “trying to split Taiwan from China”, blamed Japan for tensions over the island and underscored the importance of upholding the UN Charter, according to Reuters. 

Donald Trump said it was "very dangerous" for the UK to deal with China, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continued his visit to Beijing to reset relations, BBC reported. 

The US president was reacting to agreements aimed at increasing business and investment between the UK and China, announced after Sir Keir met Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a three-day trip.

"Well it's very dangerous for them to do that," Trump said at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania when asked what he thought of Britain increasing business ties with China, according to BBC.