Veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Houlan takes over as China's new ambassador to Nepal, amid efforts by the two nations to boost bilateral ties.
Yang, who arrived in the Nepalese capital on Saturday, is scheduled to present his credential to President Ram Baran Yadav on Monday.
Yang, who replaced Qiu Guohong, is one of the senior most Chinese diplomat. He has served as the Chinese envoy to Korean Peninsula Affairs before his appointment to Nepal.
The appointment of Yang shows China's growing interest in Nepal, according to a local media.
Rajeshwor Acharya, a former Nepalese ambassador to China, was quoted as saying by a private television that the appointment of Yang indicated that Beijing wants to play a more active role in bilateral ties unlike in the past when it used to pursue quiet diplomacy.
Nepal government has recently intensified crackdown against pro-Tibet activists amid growing pressure from its giant northern neighbour to better control the Tibetan refugees within its borders and stop anti-Beijing protests.
Nepal is home to around 20,000 exiled Tibetans and the capital has been the scene of several anti-China protests over the last few years.
Nepal supports 'one-China policy' that views Tibet as an integral part of China. It has repeatedly assured China that it will not allow its territory to be used for anti- Beijing activities.
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