China, Nepal FMs Discuss Cross-Border Flood Relief After Glacier Collapse
Chinese and Nepali foreign ministers spoke by phone to coordinate relief after a glacier collapse triggered deadly cross-border floods.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with his Nepali counterpart, Shisir Khanal, on Saturday to coordinate a joint response to a severe mudslide disaster triggered by a sudden glacier collapse in Nepal's border region. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, described the event as the most serious cross-border disaster between the two countries in recent years, noting that relief efforts have been unprecedentedly complex and arduous.
Wang confirmed that China's assistance package to Nepal is being implemented, including emergency cash aid and humanitarian supplies, with some relief materials expected to arrive in Kathmandu soon. He stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping issued immediate instructions on rescue work, and Premier Li Qiang personally visited the affected area to guide operations. Xi has also sent a condolence message to Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel, while Li expressed condolences to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
China has deployed two teams of tunnel rescue experts to the disaster zone and Kathmandu, and has shared satellite imagery, hydrological data, and early warning information about an upstream barrier lake with Nepal. Wang added that Chinese authorities have made arrangements for Nepali citizens stranded on the Chinese side and will facilitate their return, while requesting Nepal's continued assistance in transferring Chinese nationals within its territory.
Khanal conveyed condolences from Nepali leaders to the Chinese government and people, and expressed gratitude for China's emergency humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged that China had overcome its own difficulties to extend help at the earliest opportunity, reflecting the strength of Nepal-China relations. Khanal affirmed Nepal's commitment to working closely with China to rescue stranded or missing Chinese nationals and to jointly locate missing foreign citizens. He also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in post-disaster reconstruction, disaster prevention, and climate change response, while advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.