China Urges Nepal to Restore Order Following PM Resignation Amid Unrest

Beijing, Sep 10 (PTI) - In light of the recent developments in Nepal, China has called upon "all sections" of the country to manage domestic issues diligently and to swiftly restore social order and stability. These remarks follow the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli amid violent protests. "China and Nepal are traditional friendly neighbors," commented Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, marking China's first official statement on the Nepalese situation. "We hope all sections of Nepal will properly handle domestic issues and restore social order and regional stability as soon as possible," Lin stated, responding to inquiries about the unfolding events.

Lin opted not to make any statement regarding the resignation of Oli, known for his pro-China stance and significant role in strengthening Kathmandu's strategic ties with Beijing. Oli recently visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and attended the military parade on September 3 commemorating the World War II victory over Japan.

Oli's resignation, announced on Tuesday, came after extensive protests erupted across Nepal, with demonstrators demanding accountability for the deaths of 19 individuals amid police action during previous protests over corruption and a social media ban. The social media ban was lifted on Monday night, yet the unrest persists.

Concerning the safety of Chinese nationals in Nepal, Lin confirmed no casualties have been reported. He noted that China has advised its citizens in Nepal to prioritize their safety. The Chinese embassy in Nepal has activated emergency protection measures and requested that Nepal secure the safety of Chinese nationals.

"Chinese institutions and citizens are reminded to stay informed about the situation and implement robust security measures while avoiding unnecessary outings," Lin advised.

For emergencies, they are urged to contact the Chinese embassy in Nepal.