Marking the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, the Nepali edition of the book “My Uncle Zhou Enlai”—originally authored by Zhou Erliu—was officially launched in Nepal on Wednesday, April 30.

Diplomats, historians, translators, and readers were part of the launch event, held  at Belt and Road Bookstore in Kathmandu. 

The event featured five speakers: Zhou Rong, grandniece of Premier Zhou, Wang Xin, Deputy Chief of Mission, Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Dr. Upendra Gautam, General Secretary, China Study Center, Ajay Sharma, translator of the Nepali edition, Kiran Gautam, editor and publisher of the book. They remembered Premier Zhou’s leadership and contributions to fostering Nepal–China diplomatic ties. 

In his keynote address, Wang Xin praised Premier Zhou’s selfless legacy and his profound role in shaping China–Nepal ties—from his historic visits in 1957 and 1960 to his pivotal role in resolving the border issue through joint stewardship of Mount Sagarmatha/Qomolangma. 

“This book is more than a biography,” he said. “It is a spiritual bridge that crosses the Himalayas.”

Zhou Rong expressed gratitude for the heartfelt reception in Nepal and shared reflections on her family’s connection to the country. “Premier Zhou once said that my father was following in his footsteps, and that is the reason I came to Nepal this time,” she said.

Dr. Upendra Gautam contextualized Zhou’s diplomatic achievements in the broader framework of Himalayan geopolitics, while Ajay Sharma spoke of the emotional and intellectual depth involved in translating the work.

Kiran Gautam, editor and publisher of the Nepali edition, shared how a single WeChat post, commemorating Zhou’s death anniversary two years ago, connected him with Miss Yang of Yilin Press and sparked the collaboration that led to this publication.