{"id":15988,"date":"2026-04-27T06:51:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=15988"},"modified":"2026-04-27T06:51:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:06:28","slug":"the-ninth-anniversary-of-bri-a-decisive-moment-for-nepal-china-cooperation-three-major-expectations-from-the-new-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=15988","title":{"rendered":"The Ninth Anniversary of BRI: A Decisive Moment for Nepal-China Cooperation, Three Major Expectations from the New Government<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kathmandu \u2014 As the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on assistance related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) approaches, Nepal-China relations stand at a decisive moment. The two countries have been coordinating and cooperating in areas such as trade, investment, and energy development. Notable progress has been made in the construction of dry ports in border areas. These achievements are milestones, and many projects have already delivered tangible results. However, the pace of major infrastructure and connectivity projects remains slow due to coordination challenges and a complex external environment. These realities have put the depth of bilateral cooperation to the test.<\/p>\n

In Kathmandu, the new government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has adopted a “development diplomacy” strategy. There is a sense among ruling party leaders of transforming Nepal from a traditional “buffer state” between China and India into a “living bridge.” This reflects the pragmatic approach of the government led by Balendra Shah. This political understanding not only reflects Nepal’s current economic needs but also opens new policy opportunities for BRI cooperation. With a comfortable majority in parliament, RSP has ended the long-standing political fluidity and fragmentation in Nepal, offering hope for policy stability and tangible progress. Beijing naturally expects that decision-making capacity and implementation levels will now improve significantly.<\/p>\n

During its election campaign, RSP promised to achieve an annual economic growth rate of over 7 percent, create 1.2 million new jobs within five years, and make anti-corruption and good governance its core principles. To fulfill these pledges, the government now needs to leverage external resources and international cooperation, with China being a natural key partner. A story I heard from a young voter in Jhapa-5 is telling. He had postponed his return ticket to the UAE to cast his vote. His main wish was to no longer have to endure the heat of the Gulf just to make ends meet. His representative story highlighted the vast gap between Nepal’s potential and its reality. Millions of young Nepalis look to the government with similar expectations.<\/p>\n

China’s role in Nepal’s economy is growing. Bilateral trade is increasing annually. China’s direct investment is concentrated in energy, transportation, and cross-border ports. Nepal is rich in hydropower resources, and Chinese companies are already involved in several projects here. This will help Nepal enhance its energy security and facilitate cross-Himalayan electricity trade. China’s western provinces represent an unlimited market for Nepal’s energy. China’s experience in poverty alleviation and rural infrastructure development is highly relevant to Nepal. There are tremendous opportunities for cooperation in technology transfer and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, robotics, agriculture, disaster management, and smart city development.<\/p>\n

To put BRI into a higher gear, three major long-standing barriers need to be broken. First, Nepal must move beyond the traditional notion of a “buffer state” and adopt a strategic diplomacy as a “living bridge.” Beijing has always supported this. Second, Nepal must break free from the “information cocoon” of negative narratives about China. The new government’s emphasis on anti-corruption and transparency aligns with China’s concept of a “Clean Silk Road.” Third, expectations must be managed. Large-scale infrastructure projects have long construction cycles; expecting quick results is unrealistic. Both sides need long-term plans and vision.<\/p>\n

Whether BRI shifts into a higher gear during the tenure of this historically strong and rare RSP government depends on whether both sides can move forward with concrete and practical strategies. For now, the policy stability and development diplomacy of the new government offer a rare opportunity. China is ready to assist Nepal in a high-standard and sustainable manner. It is now waiting for a serious response and skillful implementation from the Nepali side.<\/p>\n

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