The Chinese government has agreed to provide eight million Yuan (approx. Rs 72 million) as military aid to Nepal, a top army official said.

Talking to reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday upon his return from Beijing, chief of army staff of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) General Pyar Jung Thapa said the assistance could be used by the RNA for its development.

The Chinese assistance—which analysts say is largely symbolic—has come at a time when major suppliers of arms to the Himalayan kingdom- India, US and UK—have suspended their military aid in the aftermath of royal takeover early this year. They say, it also shows Chinese sensitivity that its military assistance should not offend Nepal’s southern neighbour—India.

General Thapa termed his visit as successful and added that Chinese officials had offered all possible assistance to help the RNA in quelling the armed conflict in Nepal.

China refers to Maoists in Nepal as anti-government guerrillas and has often blamed Nepali guerrillas of giving bad name to the great Chinese helmsman.

General Thapa said China wants stability, development and peace in Nepal. “It has realised the importance of RNA’s development in combating internal and international terrorism and has agreed to cooperate with us,” he said.

Earlier, during his meeting with General Thapa last week, Defense Minister of China Cao Gangchuan said China would promote military cooperation with Nepal.

The two countries trust each other politically, cooperate economically and support each other in major international affairs, People’s Daily quoted Cao, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, as saying.

General Thapa also met senior Chinese military officials and held discussions during his weeklong visit.