Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel’s China Visit: Discussions Expected on Debt Conversion and Border Encroachment Issues

Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, has embarked on an official visit to China. He departed for Guangzhou from Kathmandu on a China Southern Airlines flight, CZ 3068, at 1 AM last night. While the purpose of the visit is to participate in the World Sustainable Transport Forum, it carries much greater significance for Nepal.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Paudel is accompanied by Joint Secretary Mahesh Bhattarai and three other officials. The political importance of this visit is underscored by Nepal's formal request to China to convert its loans into grants. Nepal has been under economic pressure due to these loans, which have been viewed as creating a "debt trap." The government aims to push for debt relief, which is essential to strengthening Nepal’s economic stability.

Additionally, the issue of border encroachment by China has become a sensitive matter for Nepal. Reports of China crossing into Nepalese territories in regions like Limi and Humla have strained relations between the two countries. It is expected that Paudel's visit will also involve substantial discussions on this issue, seeking a clear and effective resolution through diplomatic dialogue.

Analysts believe that this visit could provide a new perspective on Nepal-China relations, enhancing mutual trust and cooperation between the two neighbors.