Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rajendra Chhetri is scheduled to embark on an official visit to China on March 27.

CoAS Chhetri’s visit to the northern neighbour is taking place exactly two months after his trip to India, where he was conferred with the honorary rank of general of the Indian Army.

Gen Chhetri’s visit to China also marks the tradition that has been followed for long as per which the Army chief travels to the northern neighbour before embarking on a visit to other countries.

According to Nepal Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Tara Bahadur Karki, the visit is purely aimed at strengthening the bilateral relations of the national defence forces of the two neighbouring countries. No long-term deal is on the cards, he said.

During his official visit to China back in July 2013, former CoAS Gaurav Shumsher Rana had signed a deal with his Chinese counterpart General Fang Fenghui as part of which the northern neighbour had provided military equipment worth around 50 million RMB (Rs 821 million) to the NA. In addition to two mobile military hospitals were also provided.

Brig Gen Karki said that the Chinese government has already handed over two hospitals which were used in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in April and May last year. Similarly, the NA has already received various military and medical support worth 50 million RMB (Rs 821 million), said Brig Gen Karki.

CoAS Chhetri is starting his visit on the same day Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in China, returns home. CoAS Chhetri will return home on April 2.