Nepali and Chinese officials held a border security meeting in Zhangmu, China, across the Miteri Bridge in Sindhupalchok, on Friday, discussing cross-border crime, trade facilitation, and the rescue of stranded Nepali nationals.

According to Sindhupalchok’s Chief District Officer Kiran Thapa, the meeting was convened between administrative, immigration, customs, and security officials from both sides.

The Chinese delegation showed strong interest in ensuring the smooth operation of the Tatopani border point and in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“The talks covered a wide range of issues including border security, trade and tourism promotion, and grassroots-level people-to-people ties,” said CDO Thapa, who led the Nepali delegation.

The meeting came weeks after a massive flood cut off connection between Nepal and China through Rasuwagadhi, a major trading point between the two countries.

Mobility between the two countries through the route has been halted since the flood swept away the Nepal-China Miteri (Friendship) bridge on July 8.

During the meeting, the Nepali side urged China to prioritise exports from Nepal, resume operations of the dry port at Tatopani, and increase container movement ahead of upcoming festivals.

They also requested Nepal’s inclusion in the Kailash Mansarovar bus route and a return to pre-earthquake trade patterns, which once saw 182 categories of Nepali goods—including handicrafts, herbs, and noodles—exported to Tibet.

The Chinese side raised concerns about controlling potential criminal activities along the border and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting joint rescue efforts and infrastructure development.

Nepali officials thanked the Chinese authorities for their recent assistance in rescuing 205 Nepali nationals stranded due to flooding in Rasuwa.

Despite the reopening of exports through Tatopani on May 1, 2021, traders say China allowed only one-sided trade, heavily restricting Nepali exports. Customs officials confirmed that since May, only seven containers of Nepali goods—worth around Rs5 million—have been allowed through, with no exports for a long interval.

Businesses also complained of lengthy checks and restrictions placed on even small household goods brought across from the Chinese side, making cross-border trade increasingly difficult. The 26-km Kodari Highway, connecting Tatopani to the rest of Nepal, remains heavily damaged, severely limiting container movement.

Tatopani dry port and customs office chief Rajendra Prasad Chudal said that while China has effectively halted exports, Nepal continues to push for reciprocal trade access and a more efficient border process.

China was represented by officials from Nyalam County, while the Nepali delegation included CDO Thapa, Superintendent of Police Rameshwar Karki, and Armed Police Force personnel.

Officials on both sides agreed to enhance coordination to improve trade, manage border security, and maintain long-standing bilateral ties.