Historic Nepal-China Relations

In October 1961, King Mahendra of Nepal met with Mao Zedong, the top leader of the People’s Republic of China, for the first time. This meeting was a major diplomatic event following the formal establishment of Nepal-China relations in August 1955. The visit addressed two key issues: resolving border disputes and improving connectivity between the two nations. Even before this, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited Nepal in 1957, and Nepal’s Prime Minister B.P. Koirala visited China in 1960.

While Nepal’s ties with China were growing stronger, its relationship with India began to deteriorate. India’s displeasure stemmed from Nepal’s efforts to remove Indian military posts near the Chinese border and its plans to increase ties with China. As a result, in the 1960s, India imposed an unofficial blockade on Nepal, stopping the supply of essential goods like petroleum, medicines, and even salt. India lifted the blockade in 1962 when it entered into war with China and sought Nepal’s support. During this period, Mao suggested the construction of a cross-border railway between Nepal and China, claiming it would prevent future blockades by India.