China pledges Rs100 million military assistance to Nepal

In a move that may raise concerns in India, China has pledged a slew of financial assistance to Nepal, including military aid worth Rs100 million for the supply of "non-lethal" security equipments and training the Nepalese Army.

China will also give Nepal Rs20 million to rebuild its Consulate General Office in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. China has also increased its annual assistance by Rs1600 million, which was limited to Rs1100 million until last year.

China has also pledged military assistance worth Rs100 million. The military assistance will include non-lethal security equipments, logistics support, training for Army officials and communications equipment, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Foreign ministry sources said that Chinese side is positive regarding Nepal's request and agreed to provide phase-wise assistance for the multi-million dollar project.

China has allotted about Rs20 million for construction of the consulate building. The existing building that houses the consulate is old and needs to be replaced by a new one, an official said.

The announcement was made during bilateral talks held by visiting deputy executive vice-chair of Tibet Autonomous Region, Hao Peng with Nepalese authorities on Wednesday.

China has also agreed to provide Rs30.6 million as food assistance annually from the current year.