The foreign ministries of Nepal and China on Friday announced the official visit of Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to China beginning Sunday.

The visit comes a week after Khanal travelled to India, in what diplomatic observers see as Nepal's effort to maintain balanced relations with its two immediate neighbours.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal is visiting China at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Chinese foreign minister.

During his visit, Khanal will hold bilateral talks with Wang in Beijing on Monday. The two sides are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest aimed at further strengthening Nepal-China relations and advancing bilateral cooperation, the ministry said.

Officials familiar with the preparations said the visit will also focus on enhancing mutual trust and confidence between Kathmandu and Beijing. Similar issues were discussed during Khanal's recent visit to India.

The visit takes place amid growing concerns in Beijing following the Gen Z-led protests in Nepal, which Chinese officials have been closely monitoring. Diplomatic engagements are expected to address perceptions on both sides and reaffirm commitments to continued cooperation.

The Chinese foreign ministry, in a statement, said Khanal will be in China from June 14 to 17.

Soon after the March elections, some CPC leaders landed in Kathmandu and held talks with senior leaders of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, including Khanal, and discussed the outlook of the new government. They also inquired whether the new government would toe a pro–Western line.

The concerns from Chinese leaders prompted the RSP leadership to conclude that the new government should reassure both neighbours that it would not depart from Nepal’s principled foreign policy position.

In a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming on April 8, the foreign minister assured that Nepal’s stance towards China would remain unchanged under the new administration led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

While highlighting the priorities of the new government, Khanal assured the Chinese ambassador that Nepal upholds both the letter and spirit enshrined in the constitution and its foreign policy doctrine.

During the visit, Khanal will discuss the political and security relations between Nepal and China, as well as push for mutual assistance in only ‘tangible projects’.

Nepal and China have, in the past, reached several understandings and agreements, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Trans Himalayan Multi Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN), and various projects like the expansion of the Chinese railway from Kerung to Kathmandu.

During his stay in China, discussions are expected to focus on infrastructure development, reducing Nepal’s trade deficit, connectivity, cross-border movement, tourism revival, and projects under the BRI, given China’s interest in further strengthening political and economic engagement with Nepal, said officials.

Khanal will also attend the welcome reception, to be hosted in his honour by the Embassy of Nepal, and interact with the Nepali community.