Oli’s China visit to focus on connectivity

Oli’s China visit to focus on connectivity

News:

1. Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is on a visit to China.

Important Facts:

2. Nepal has been seeking improved connectivity with China via Tibet after India was accused of blockading essential supplies across the India-Nepal border in 2015.
3. The prime minister of Nepal visit to China will focus upon:

• The development of  Trans-Himalayan transport corridor.
• The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Transport Network.
• Study for a cross-border railway linking the countries.
• Development of Tibet-Nepal transit.
• Advancing cross-border connectivity including a railway, road, transmission lines and other related areas to Kathmandu.

Note: The connectivity could be extended to India in the future.

4. The balancing act between India and Nepal:

• According to Nepal, it follows the principal of Panchsheel for its foreign policy engagement between India and China.
• Nepal is trying to establish a “balance” between Nepal’s ties with India and China.
• Nepal PM has first visited India after becoming Prime Minister for the second time.

5. On One Belt and Road Initiative:

• Nepal had recently proposed infrastructure projects covering roads, railway, energy, transmission lines with China under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• According to Nepal,  China and Nepal had agreed to a “long-term vision “of a multi-dimensional trans-Himalaya connectivity network under the BRI.
• These projects would cover seaports, railways, highways, aviation, power, and communication sectors.
• The BRI will provide conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India.