Kathmandu Mayor Cancels China Visit Amid Map Dispute

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) has called off his scheduled visit to China. The visit, intended for tourism promotion and cultural exchange, was at the invitation of the Chinese government. Balen’s decision came in response to the recent release of a Chinese map that inaccurately portrayed Nepal’s territory, placing Nepali land within India’s borders.

Expressing concern, Balen stated that this move goes against Nepal’s sensitivities and sovereignty.

He expressed disappointment that the map did not respect Nepal’s territorial integrity and was not consulted with Nepal prior to its release. As a result, he announced on social media that he would not be proceeding with his planned 5-day trip to China due to ethical considerations.

Nepal’s new political map, unveiled in 2020, includes disputed regions such as Lipulek, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. This map was officially endorsed by the Nepali Parliament on June 13, 2020.