Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s scheduled visit to China from December 2 to 6, 2024, marks a significant departure from tradition. Historically, newly elected Nepali leaders have prioritized India for their first official foreign trip, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. Oli’s decision to visit China first raises important questions about Nepal’s evolving foreign policy and its implications for South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
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Known for his pro-China stance, Oli’s policies and actions in the past, including during the 2015-16 border blockade crisis, reflect an inclination toward diversifying Nepal’s international partnerships. While Beijing seeks to leverage strained India-Nepal ties to deepen its strategic foothold, Kathmandu treads cautiously, wary of falling into a Chinese debt trap.
This visit could potentially redefine Nepal's alignment in the region, balancing traditional ties with India against the growing allure of China's economic and strategic promises. However, with longstanding challenges such as geographical constraints, political instability, and public skepticism about Chinese investments, the question remains: will this visit result in transformative gains or incremental shifts in Nepal’s foreign policy?
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