KATHMANDU, Dec 3: China on Thursday said that its relationship with Nepal will not impact the third party amid concerns raised by a section of media and politicians in India.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying, however, did not make any reference to India.

In response to a query from an Indian journalist, the spokesperson hinted that it was India that was concerned [an interested party to] over growing engagements between China and Nepal including the recent visit of Chinese Minister for National Defense Wei Fenghe to Kathmandu.

"I must stress that the friendly cooperation between China and Nepal is beneficial to the Chinese and Nepalese people. Our relationship will not impact any third party," she told reporters in an apparent reference to India, which considers Nepal as its sphere of influence.

Referring to the recent visit of Defense Minister Fenghe to Nepal, the spokesperson said the Chinese side has already published a press release on his visit to Nepal. "China and Nepal are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China and Nepal have helped each other in the fight against COVID-19, and our friendship and mutual trust have been further enhanced," she said.

The spokesperson also reiterated her country's commitment to work with Nepal to strengthen all-round cooperation in all fields and seek quality BRI cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations to a new height.

 
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