KATHMANDU, Feb 13: Zhang Maoming arrived in Kathmandu on Friday to assume his duties as the 23rd Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal.
In a press statement issued upon his arrival, Ambassador Zhang described his new role as both a privilege and a responsibility. While expressing gratitude to friends from all sectors of Nepali society for their longstanding support in strengthening bilateral ties, Ambassador Zhang also vowed to deepen partnership between Nepal and China.
Highlighting the enduring relationship between the two neighbours, Zhang said China and Nepal are “friendly neighbours linked by mountains and rivers” and partners bound by generations of friendship, mutual support and shared development. He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 71 years ago, the two countries have stood together through “thick and thin,” supporting each other’s core interests and development priorities.
New Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming arrives in Kathmandu, vows...
Prior to his appointment in Kathmandu, Zhang served as a deputy director at the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He succeeds Chen Song, who recently returned to China after completing his three-year tenure.
Reaffirming China’s position, Ambassador Zhang said Beijing would continue to support Nepal in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. He also acknowledged Nepal’s continued adherence to the One-China principle and its support on issues concerning China’s core interests.
Referring to the 2019 state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal, Zhang said the visit elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Everlasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity. Under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders, he noted, political mutual trust has deepened, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has yielded tangible results, and people-to-people exchanges have expanded.
Ambassador Zhang also highlighted that 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, during which China plans to accelerate modernisation and expand high-standard opening-up, creating new development opportunities for countries including Nepal.
At a time of rapid global transformation and uncertainty, he said China stands ready to work with Nepal to strengthen solidarity among Global South countries and promote inclusive economic globalisation and a more balanced multipolar world.
“As the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, I will conscientiously implement the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Nepal,” he said, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu would continue to practise people-centred diplomacy and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Nepal.
Zhang is considered familiar with Nepal’s political and diplomatic circles, having previously participated in several meetings with Nepali leaders and officials. He will formally begin official engagements after presenting his credentials to Nepal’s President.
