China-South Asia Conference Begins in Kathmandu
Kathmandu — A two-day international conference titled “China and South Asia in a Multipolar World” began in Kathmandu on Friday, bringing together scholars and experts from Nepal, China and India to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
The conference is jointly organized by the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, China, and the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE). Around 30 scholars, diplomats, policymakers, researchers and strategic affairs experts are participating in the event.
Addressing the inaugural session, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Asia’s transformation presents “unprecedented opportunities for shared prosperity” and stressed that Nepal welcomes the continued development and prosperity of both India and China.
Khanal said economic diplomacy has become one of the defining priorities of Nepal’s external engagement. He said Nepal aspires to transform itself from a landlocked country into “a vibrant, dynamic bridge connecting China and South Asia” by enhancing transport and digital connectivity, trade facilitation and people-to-people exchanges.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said South Asia has maintained overall stability and sustained economic growth, emerging as “an indispensable rising force in global power structure.” He described Nepal as “a vital bridge linking China and South Asia” and said the country has an irreplaceable role in enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.
The conference will feature eight thematic sessions covering Nepal-China-India trilateral cooperation, strategic competition and security, economic corridors, regional development, soft power and educational diplomacy, and Nepal’s internal dynamics and foreign policy.
The conference will conclude on Aug. 8.