Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, during a visit to China, asserted to President Xi Jinping that Lipulekh is Nepali territory, a point of contention given a recent India-China agreement to reopen it as a trade route. This move has complicated the already strained relationship between Nepal and India, who both claim the territory. While China expressed respect for Nepal’s claim, it maintained that the border dispute is a bilateral matter between Nepal and India. Analysts suggest Oli’s move might further hinder future dialogue with India and raise concerns about Nepal’s growing alignment with China, potentially impacting its relationships with India, the U.S., and other global partners. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of India’s renewed focus on its “Neighborhood First” policy and Nepal’s increasing engagement with China’s global initiatives.
**News Article:**
**Nepal Raises Border Dispute with China, Complicating Relations with India**
*Kathmandu, Nepal – September 5, 2025* – Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of Nepal has directly addressed the Lipulekh border dispute with Chinese President Xi Jinping, asserting Nepal’s claim to the territory during a recent visit to China. The move comes amidst a simmering conflict with India, which also claims Lipulekh, along with Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, and follows a recent agreement between India and China to reopen Lipulekh as a bilateral trade route.
“Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, Prime Minister Oli stated that the territory belongs to Nepal,” a statement from the Nepali Embassy in Beijing confirmed.
China responded by acknowledging Nepal’s claim but reiterated its stance that the border issue is a matter to be resolved bilaterally between Nepal and India. “Lipulekh is a traditional border pass, and an agreement has been made to operate it accordingly. China respects Nepal’s claim, but since the border dispute is a bilateral issue [between India and Nepal], it is something for the two sides to resolve.” Nepal Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai told the media about Xi’s response.
Analysts warn that Oli’s action could further complicate relations with India, which views Nepal’s territorial claims as unjustified. Anurag Acharya, Director at Policy Entrepreneurs Inc, notes, “This will undoubtedly have consequences for future dialogue between Nepal and India on the disputed territory, and possibly create further tensions in bilateral ties.”
Beyond the immediate border dispute, observers are also raising concerns about Nepal’s growing alignment with China. Oli’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI), and attendance at the Chinese Victory Parade have fueled speculation about a shift in Nepal’s foreign policy.
Chandra Dev Bhatta, a Kathmandu-based political scientist, cautions that these moves could raise concerns from India, the U.S., and other global partners. He said, “The shift in alignment might help Nepal secure economic and security cooperation with the north, but it could backfire if Nepal fails to maintain its traditional balance in regional and global politics.”
The situation unfolds as India seeks to strengthen its “Neighborhood First” policy. Oli is expected to visit India soon, and pressure is mounting for him to raise the Lipulekh issue with Indian leaders as strongly as he did with President Xi. The handling of this sensitive issue will be critical in shaping the future of Nepal’s relationships with both of its powerful neighbors.
First Piper 