Kathmandu [Nepal], September 12 – Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has called for Nepal-China relations to evolve beyond traditional border management into a strategic partnership focused on environmental cooperation, climate security, technology, trade and infrastructure.
Addressing the third Kasthamandap Dialogue in Kathmandu on Saturday Khanal said the recent Bhotekoshi floods had demonstrated that the Nepal-China border was not merely a political boundary but an area linked by a shared environmental fate.
Describing the August 26 disaster as a “Himalayan tsunami,” Khanal thanked China for its emergency assistance, technical support and hydrological coordination during rescue efforts.
He proposed real-time satellite data sharing, joint weather forecasting and early warning systems to reduce cross-border risks from glacial lake outbursts, erratic weather and landslides.
Khanal said Nepal remained firmly committed to its “One China” policy and would not allow its territory to be used against neighbours.
He also advocated stronger trade and connectivity under the concept of “thick connectivity and thin borders” including modernised customs facilities and year-round northern border trading hubs.
Khanal highlighted opportunities for cooperation in green technology, robotics and generative artificial intelligence, proposing joint innovation laboratories and technology-transfer programmes.
He also called for greater exchanges among students, researchers, entrepreneurs, tourists and pilgrims to strengthen long-term people-to-people ties.
