Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is set to visit China from December 2 to 6, 2024, marking a significant shift in Nepal's foreign policy as he seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing over New Delhi. This visit comes after Oli's coalition government was formed in July 2024, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in a vote of confidence [43b70c12]. Traditionally, new Nepali leaders prioritize a visit to India, but Oli's decision not to do so indicates a notable change in diplomatic priorities, particularly as he was not invited by New Delhi [43b70c12].
Relations between Nepal and India have been strained since the 2015 blockade, which has influenced Nepal's approach to its foreign relations. Experts suggest that while Oli's visit to China aims to bolster economic ties, it also serves as a strategic move to balance relations with both neighboring countries [43b70c12].
Despite a decline in Nepal's exports to China by 16.7% from 2017 to 2022, there has been a remarkable increase of 77% in 2023, highlighting a growing economic interdependence [43b70c12]. Nepal is particularly focused on operationalizing infrastructure projects, such as the Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed with a $200 million loan from China [43b70c12].
Analysts emphasize the necessity for Nepal to enhance its economic ties with China, especially in light of the changing geopolitical landscape in South Asia. As Nepal navigates its foreign policy, the upcoming visit is expected to further define its relationship with China and potentially reshape its interactions with India [43b70c12].