In an effort to recalibrate Nepal–China ties amid shifting political dynamics in Kathmandu, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal left for Beijing on Saturday night on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The visit follows Khanal’s recent trip to New Delhi, where he signalled a possible reset in Nepal–India relations, saying the new Rastriya Swatantra Party-led government does not carry the “baggage” of traditional parties.

In Beijing, Khanal is scheduled to hold talks with Wang over dinner on Monday, where the two sides will review bilateral ties with a focus on rebuilding trust.

An official close to the minister said the discussions will also be aimed at countering what Kathmandu sees as “misperceptions” among sections of the Chinese leadership, bureaucracy and policy circles about Nepal’s current foreign policy orientation.

Following last year’s Gen Z movement, Chinese officials have reportedly expressed concern that both the previous Sushila Karki administration and the current government are leaning closer to Western policy positions, raising fears of Nepal becoming a venue for intensified geopolitical competition.

“My visit is focused on dispelling such narratives, building trust and confidence, and discussing the priorities of the new government so we can make tangible progress in different sectors,” Khanal told the Post before his departure.

Recent back-to-back visits by US officials to Kathmandu, along with Washington’s efforts to persuade the Nepal government in issuing identity cards to Tibetan refugees in Nepal, have added to Beijing’s concerns. Additional sensitivities include speculations over the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama taking place in Nepal, increased Tibetan-related activities, and a growing Western presence in the country’s northern border regions, including Everest Base Camp and Mustang.

Further concerns cited in diplomatic discussions include Nepal’s approval of Starlink services, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, and perceived erosion of China’s influence in Nepal’s ICT sector. Reports of possible uranium deposits and exploratory activity in Mustang have also been raised in conversations between officials.

The government, however, has recently drafted legislation stipulating that exploration of critical minerals within Nepali territory will be carried out exclusively by a state-owned Nepali company.

Soon after the March elections, leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited Kathmandu and held discussions with senior leaders of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, including Minister Khanal, to assess the policy direction of the new government and its foreign policy posture.

According to a foreign ministry official, during a recent meeting with Khanal, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming raised concerns over corruption allegations related to the Pokhara International Airport project and the implications for Chinese firms involved in its construction. Former envoy Cheng Song had also previously flagged similar concerns over parliamentary scrutiny and a case filed by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

The case—among the largest corruption cases filed at the Special Court in terms of financial magnitude—seeks Rs8.36 billion in recovery from each of 56 defendants, including China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd and its representatives, named in the procurement-linked proceedings.

Chinese officials reportedly believe the case is influenced by external pressure, a matter expected to be raised during Khanal’s engagements in Beijing. Officials say the minister has prepared Nepal’s position on the issue.

During his visit, Khanal will also meet senior officials of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the International Department of the Communist Party of China to discuss implementation of past agreements, including those under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Khanal is expected to reassure Chinese leaders that Nepal will not deviate from its “principled” position on China and remains committed to cooperation under the BRI framework, though officials say Kathmandu may seek revisions to project lists agreed during then-prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s 2025 visit to Beijing.

The minister will also reiterate Nepal’s commitment to the One-China policy and pledge that Nepal’s territory will not be used for any activities against China. He is expected to reaffirm an independent, non-aligned foreign policy, while advancing what officials describe as “development diplomacy” focused on projects aligned with Nepal’s national priorities.