Kathmandu [Nepal], July 23 – Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to visit China later this month at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) following his recent trip to India according to a senior party source.
The source said Lamichhane is expected to travel to Beijing during the final week of the Nepali month of Shrawan after consultations with Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
During the visit, Lamichhane is expected to hold meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Party officials and the CPC’s international department are also seeking to arrange a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, although that engagement has not yet been confirmed.
The invitation from Beijing was extended before Lamichhane’s visit to India but he opted to travel to New Delhi first. Lamichhane visited India from June 1 to June 5.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal helped coordinate the proposed Beijing visit during his official trip to China earlier this year. During that visit Khanal met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, International Department Minister Liu Jianchao and Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
According to party sources, Lamichhane’s visit will focus on strengthening Nepal-China bilateral cooperation, economic development, trade and border security.
The visit comes as Beijing seeks reassurance over Nepal’s commitment to the One China policy following the formation of the RSP led government. Chinese officials have previously urged Kathmandu to ensure that Nepali territory is not used for activities against China. Nepal has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the One China policy through official diplomatic engagements.
