China says to hold first military drills with Nepal next year

BEIJING (Reuters): China will hold its first military drills with Nepal next year, China’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday, in a move that could unnerve neighbouring India.

China is vying to increase its influence in landlocked Nepal, which serves as a natural buffer between China and India, challenging India’s long-held position as the dominant outside power.

While China and India have tried to improve ties, a festering border dispute and deep mutual suspicions remain.

The ministry said on its website this would be the first joint military exercises between the two countries.