Kathmandu, June 16 -- Hinting at China's understanding of recent political developments in Kathmandu and the Western countries' role in it, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Nepali counterpart Shisir Khanal that a neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.

Khanal, who is on a four-day official visit to China, held talks with Wang on Monday night in Beijing, where the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

Wang, according to the Chinese foreign ministry, stated that "distant relatives are not as good as close neighbours. China will always be a reliable neighbour and reliable partner.," for Nepal.

During the meeting, according to one Nepali participant, the Chinese leaders including Wang had rais...