The CPN-UML has condemned remarks made by former prime minister and the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal regarding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to China.

In an interview with Indian newspaper The Hindu earlier this week, Dahal claimed that Prime Minister Oli is ‘playing the China card’ in relation to his planned trip.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to make a five-day official visit to China from December 2 to 6 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, although an official announcement is awaited.

The ruling party called Dahal’s accusation baseless, irresponsible, and damaging to Nepal’s sovereignty and foreign policy. UML Secretary Raghubir Mahaseth, who also heads the party’s foreign affairs department, in a statement said Dahal’s comments violated diplomatic protocols and showed a disregard for Nepal’s independence. “Nepal does not require external approval for its diplomatic relations,” the statement read, emphasising that Oli’s visit is a reflection of Nepal’s independent foreign policy, not a ‘card diplomacy’ as Dahal suggested.

The UML also stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relationships with both India and China for Nepal’s development and prosperity. The party warned that such comments could jeopardise Nepal’s strong and equitable ties with both nations.

UML reiterated its commitment to maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with both neighbours and urged Dahal to retract his statement and apologise to the Nepali people. The statement said that Dahal’s comments undermined Nepal’s sovereignty and national pride, and cautioned against ‘using political manoeuvres that compromise the nation’s integrity.’

Many have described Prime Minister Oli's decision to go to China in his first bilateral visit after assuming the office in mid-July as his preference for the northern neighbour and fear the move may irk the southern neighbour.

In general, Nepali prime ministers traditionally chose New Delhi as their first bilateral visit after assuming office.

Prime Minister Oli, however, said that his upcoming China visit will not hurt Nepal’s ties with India.

Speaking at the concluding session of the Kantipur Conclave in Kathmandu on Thursday, Oli said there is no reason for his visit to harm relations with India just because he is going to China first.

“We are a sovereign nation and we have never said that we won’t visit India,” he said. “We choose to go where it is convenient.”