Lamichhane eyes meeting Xi during Beijing visit

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane is preparing for a significant visit to China in the final week of August, aiming to deepen diplomatic ties. A five-member delegation, led by Lamichhane, will travel to Beijing at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The RSP has formally requested the Chinese side to arrange a meeting between Lamichhane and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A senior party leader indicated that coordination is actively underway to facilitate this high-level encounter. While a meeting with Xi is the primary objective, Lamichhane is also scheduled to engage with other prominent Chinese officials, including Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and representatives from the CPC's International Department.

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Coordination is underway with the Chinese side to arrange a meeting with President Xi.

This planned visit follows Lamichhane's recent high-profile trip to India in early June, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. The RSP's pursuit of a meeting with Xi is partly motivated by the party's strong electoral performance and Lamichhane's successful engagements with India's top leadership. Initially slated for July, the China visit was postponed as a meeting with Xi could not be confirmed and due to domestic considerations.

Party leaders emphasized Lamichhane's desire to secure a similar level of engagement with China's top leadership as he achieved in India. This diplomatic push aligns with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's assurances to both neighboring countries regarding the new government's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Nepal aims to pursue 'development diplomacy' while respecting the security interests of its neighbors.

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As he met Indian Prime Minister Modi during his visit to India, he wants to have a meeting with China’s executive head.