Nepal Hosts International Conference on China and South Asia in a Multipolar World

An international conference titled “China and South Asia in a Multipolar World” began on August 7 at The Square Hotel in Pulchowk, Kathmandu, bringing together around 30 scholars, diplomats, policymakers and strategic affairs experts from Nepal, China and India.

Jointly organized by the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University and the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), the two-day conference focuses on regional cooperation, Nepal-China-India trilateral connectivity, security, economic corridors, strategic competition and emerging geopolitical challenges.

Addressing the inaugural session, Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized Nepal’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with both China and India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. He highlighted economic diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, technology, hydropower and connectivity as key areas for Nepal’s development.

Khanal also expressed Nepal’s ambition to transform the country from a landlocked state into “a vibrant, dynamic bridge connecting China and South Asia” through improved transport, trade, digital connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Dr. Zhang Maoming highlighted South Asia’s growing importance in the emerging multipolar global order and described Nepal as a vital bridge between China and South Asia. He stressed deeper China-Nepal cooperation, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, poverty reduction, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges.

The conference will feature eight thematic sessions covering China and South Asia in a multipolar world, Nepal-China-India trilateral cooperation, strategic competition and security, economic corridors, regional development, soft power, educational diplomacy and Nepal’s foreign policy. The event will conclude on August 8, 2026.