China, Nepal coordinate rescue after cross-border mudslide; hundreds missing

China and Nepal are coordinating search-and-rescue operations after a catastrophic mudslide swept across their shared border near Gyirong Port in Tibet, leaving significant casualties and missing persons on both sides. Beijing has expressed condolences to Kathmandu and said it will provide emergency assistance based on Nepal's needs.

Preliminary local figures indicate that 260 foreign nationals are missing in the affected areas, though officials caution that details are still being verified due to the scale of the disaster. Among the missing are tourists and pilgrims, according to information available to Chinese authorities.

Nearly 100 Chinese citizens remain unaccounted for on the Nepalese side of the border. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal is working with local authorities to confirm their status and has issued a consular advisory urging citizens in the region to evacuate immediately, stay alert for secondary hazards, and contact the embassy for help.

China's foreign ministry said rescue efforts are treating all individuals equally, regardless of nationality, and that it is keeping embassies of affected countries informed as the situation develops. The search operation is described as intensive and orderly, with more specific information expected as verification continues.

In other developments, Beijing confirmed that China and the United States are in communication over planned leaders' exchanges within the year. On cybersecurity, China rejected a US claim that it had thwarted a Chinese hacking operation targeting several federal agencies, calling the allegation unsubstantiated and politically motivated. China reiterated its opposition to hacking and its commitment to combating it under law.

Responding to a US national emergency declaration over foreign-made equipment in the power grid, China said it opposes overstretching the concept of national security and urged Washington to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory environment for businesses from all countries.

On bilateral ties, China said the root cause of difficulties in China-Japan relations lies in Tokyo's actions and statements on Taiwan and military security. Beijing urged Japan to reflect on its conduct, adhere to the principles of the four political documents, and take concrete steps to preserve the political foundation of the relationship.