Beijing Hails New Nepal PM Karki, Reaffirms "Time-honored Friendship"
Beijing congratulates Karki, pledges stronger ties with Nepal.
China warmly congratulated Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female prime minister, as she took charge of the nation’s interim government following a turbulent week of protests. The 73-year-old’s appointment on Friday, September 12, marked a historic milestone, ending days of political chaos after former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned amid violent unrest. In a press release, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson praised the “time-honoured friendship” between China and Nepal, signaling Beijing’s eagerness to deepen cooperation with its Himalayan neighbor under Karki’s leadership.
“China congratulates Madam Sushila Karki on becoming Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government,” the spokesperson stated. “China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal.” The statement highlighted China’s commitment to advancing bilateral relations through the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, with plans to enhance exchanges in trade, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives. This swift endorsement underscores China’s strategic interest in maintaining a strong partnership with Nepal, a key player in its Belt and Road Initiative and a geopolitical buffer against India.
Karki’s rise to power followed widespread anti-government protests sparked by a controversial social media ban and allegations of corruption against Oli’s administration. The unrest peaked on Tuesday when hundreds of agitators stormed Oli’s office, resulting in over 50 deaths across Nepal. Karki, a former Chief Justice renowned for her integrity and judicial reforms, was sworn in on Friday night, tasked with stabilizing the nation and addressing public demands for accountability and reform. Her appointment has been hailed as a step toward inclusive governance, given her trailblazing role as Nepal’s first woman leader.
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China’s statement also reflects its broader regional ambitions, as Nepal serves as a critical partner in projects like the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. Beijing has invested heavily in Nepalese infrastructure, including the Kathmandu-Terai Expressway and the Pokhara International Airport, and Karki’s leadership presents an opportunity to further these initiatives. As Nepal navigates its fragile political landscape, China’s support could bolster Karki’s interim government, particularly in economic and developmental spheres, while counterbalancing India’s influence in the region.
The global community is closely watching Karki’s next steps, as she faces the challenge of uniting a divided nation while advancing Nepal’s development agenda. China’s enthusiastic backing sets the stage for a new chapter in bilateral relations, with potential implications for regional stability and cooperation in South Asia.
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