China Welcomes Sushila Karki As Nepal's Interim PM, Highlights 'Time-Honoured Friendship'
China welcomed appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal's interim Prime Minister, reaffirming its support for Nepal's sovereignty and political independence. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described China-Nepal relationship as a 'time-honoured friendship'
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Sushila Karki named Nepal's interim Prime Minister with China extending congratulations
China has extended its welcome to Sushila Karki's appointment as Nepal's interim Prime Minister, emphasizing their "time-honoured friendship" while reaffirming support for Nepal's sovereignty and political independence. The Chinese Foreign Ministry underscored its dedication to upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in bilateral relations.
In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said, "China congratulates Madam Sushila Karki on becoming Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government."
The message, distributed by the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, further stated, "China and Nepal share a time-honoured friendship. China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal. We stand ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relations."
Karki, 73, a former Chief Justice of Nepal, took her oath as interim Prime Minister on Friday following extensive Gen Z protests sparked by frustration over political stagnation, corruption, economic disparity, and social media platform restrictions in the country.
Her ascension to the interim PM position came after protesters collectively endorsed her candidacy, citing her reputation for integrity and independence. This followed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation amid the widespread demonstrations.
Karki's selection represents an unusual moment of unity in Nepal's political landscape. She emerged as the most widely accepted figure through a public vote conducted by Gen Z leaders on Discord, gaining support from both the youth movement and traditional political forces seeking stability during this period of upheaval.
According to The Kathmandu Post, Karki has begun consultations with close advisors and key figures from the Gen Z movement as she prepares to establish her Cabinet.
The newspaper reports that Karki will engage in intensive discussions Sunday morning to form her government. While she currently holds authority over all 25 ministries, she is reportedly committed to creating a streamlined Cabinet with no more than 15 ministers, aligning with demands from civil society and the Gen Z-led protest movement.
Potential ministerial candidates include legal expert Om Prakash Aryal, former army official Balananda Sharma, retired justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Madhav Sundar Khadka, Asheem Man Singh Basnyat, and energy expert Kulman Ghising, according to The Kathmandu Post.
On Friday, Nepal's Parliament was officially dissolved, with new elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. This occurred hours after Karki was sworn in as the country's new interim PM.
The President's Office announced that the dissolution was approved during Karki's first cabinet meeting held at 11 pm (local time), marking the beginning of a six-month transitional government tasked with guiding the country toward elections.