Nepal rolled out the red carpet on Saturday for China's President Xi Jinping as authorities rounded up Tibetans to prevent protests during his stay.
Xi is expected to use his time in Kathmandu to push Beijing's controversial Belt and Road infrastructure projects. The International Campaign for Tibet said at least 18 people were arrested in the days ahead of Xi's arrival, including two Nepali shopkeepers selling bags with Tibetan flags or slogans. Fourteen remained in detention on Saturday.
In 2017, Nepal signed up to China's Belt and Road programme which includes initiatives to build or upgrade highways and airports in the country. "This visit has historic significance for Nepal. Our priority is to create opportunities for Nepal, joining it to China's development. We are focusing on connectivity between the two countries," said Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali.