Experts and stakeholders call for action-oriented partnership to advance Nepal-China relations

BHAKTAPUR : Scholars, diplomats, and parliamentarians gathered at the Kathmandu School of Law on Saturday, calling for a pragmatic recalibration of Nepal–China relations beyond mere admiration of China’s economic and technological achievements.

Speaking at the “Nepal–China Education Connectivity 2026” conference organized by the Nepalese Student Organization (NSO) China, former minister and RSP Member of Parliament Jagdish Kharel emphasized that Nepal must actively adopt good governance and development models learned from industrialized nations, tailoring them to local conditions.

Representing the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counsellor Zhou Pan reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to elevating bilateral ties and strengthening long-term diplomatic and educational cooperation.

Former ambassadors to China offered strategic perspectives on bilateral exchanges.

Former Ambassador Mahendra Bahadur Pandey highlighted the value of pursuing higher education in China, noting that students who study there are more inclined to return and contribute directly to Nepal’s national development.

Meanwhile, former Ambassador Dr. Mahesh Kumar Maskey urged Nepalese stakeholders to study the structural policies behind China’s rapid rise rather than remaining passive observers.

International law expert Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula stressed that strengthening foreign ties requires a shift in domestic mindsets. He urged a focused dialogue on importing Chinese technology and expanding Nepalese exports, proposing a dedicated platform for Chinese-educated professionals to interface directly with government policymakers.

Addressing economic reliance, former Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya cautioned against perpetual aid-seeking, emphasizing that Nepal must identify clear areas where it can offer reciprocal value to its neighbors.

NSO China Founder Board President Manoj Kumar Bhatta outlined the organization’s commitment to facilitating youth engagement, offering free educational counseling, and researching technology transfer to support national growth.