Diplomatic relations between Nepal and its gigantic northern neighbor, China, were initiated 70 years ago. The past seven decades have witnessed Nepal-China relations flowing smoothly and harmoniously, devoid of major differences. Apart from some instances of history, the two countries have shared a warm and friendly relationship. China, a stout champion of the sovereignty of small nations, has been a contributing factor in maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region. For Nepal, situated between two giants, China and India, such geography is not a constraint but a bridge of tremendous opportunity.

Nepal, in the past, was a major trade conduit between these Asian giants and reaped considerable economic benefits. While Nepal may lag in a few aspects presently, its position between two international giants holds out a future with lots of promise.

China has been Nepal's staunch supporter at the crucial moments in history. Nepal’s democratic leader B.P. Koirala and Chairman Mao Zedong personally resolved a border issue on the terms of Nepal's aspirations. It was then that the problem of Mount Everest was resolved diplomatically. By agreeing to share the mountain, China helped Nepal gain one of its most iconic world identifiers, the "Land of Everest."

 China is now on the way to becoming a world economic superpower. On its current path, it is projected to become the world's largest economy by 2030. Although the COVID-19 epidemic postponed this slightly, the overwhelming majority of analysts still see China's rise as unavoidable. To Nepal, which lies between China and India, two of the largest drivers of global economics, this is not only something to be proud of but also a surety that its growth will have beneficial spillovers.

Nepal will therefore have to redefine its development strategy to make use of both of its achievements. Western support, however, has been sporadic, dominated by the U.S. Some American aid programs have been slashed, including the closure of a key development agency. But consistent support in the form of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has sent a reassuring signal. The "America First" policy of Donald Trump in America taught Nepal and other such nations a valuable lesson: today, with the complex world we find ourselves in, we need to be strategic about forging alliances with nations that are willing to invest in us. Those times are gone when a policy of neutrality would suffice to meet our ends. Neutrality is still good for humanitarian or peacemaking efforts, but it is not a panacea anymore. Nepal must diversify and adjust its foreign relations in compliance with shifting global realities.

Geographical limitations in the past used to restrict Nepal from entering China, and open borders had to mean that relations with India should remain paramount. Chinese leaders instructed Nepal to maintain close relations with India. But the scenario is different. Nepal has opened strategic border outposts with China and increased connectivity. It is a part of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which engenders infrastructure, trade, and integration. China's strategy differs from the traditional donor-recipient model of aid, as it promotes trade over aid, urging Nepal to step up its production and competitiveness. If Nepal strengthens its capabilities, it can benefit immensely by selling to its neighbors.

China and India themselves possess gigantic trading connections despite geopolitical competition. Their rivalry has not led to total estrangement. Nepal is not, therefore, required to choose between them; it must focus on building friendly and fruitful relations with both.

Nepal can take lessons from China's extraordinary poverty alleviation achievement. In the span of a few decades, China has removed several hundred million individuals from poverty, a miracle achievement Nepal needs to emulate. Its technological progress is no less astonishing. From inventing paper money and gunpowder to leading the world in the areas of artificial intelligence and space exploration, China has become the world's predominant tech giant.

Long beset by poverty and famine, China is today firmly on the path to prosperity. Nepal's diplomatic ties with such a nation, formally initiated on August 1, 1955, remain as relevant today as they were more than seven decades ago. Official relations might have spanned 70 years, but cultural and civilizational connections between Nepal and China have existed for centuries. Such a relationship, they opine, is "higher than the Himalayas."

Nepal can take lessons from China's extraordinary poverty alleviation achievement. In the span of a few decades, China has removed several hundred million individuals from poverty—a miracle achievement Nepal needs to emulate. Its technological progress is no less astonishing. From inventing paper money and gunpowder to leading the world in the areas of artificial intelligence and space exploration, China has become the world's predominant tech giant.

Long beset by poverty and famine, China is today firmly on the path to prosperity. Nepal's diplomatic ties with such a nation—formally initiated on August 1, 1955—remain as relevant today as they were more than seven decades ago. Official relations might have spanned 70 years, but cultural and civilizational connections between Nepal and China have existed for centuries. Such a relationship, they opine, is "higher than the Himalayas."

May the Nepal-China friendship flourish and endure for generations to come.