China is closely monitoring social unrest in Nepal, a strategic partner and key point in Beijing’s global infrastructure and investment initiative, following the resignation of prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

Observers warned that Beijing should be prepared for further instability in the region, citing weak governance and potential external influence in political transitions.

The unrest was initially triggered by a social media ban last week, and soon grew into a wider anti-corruption movement aimed at the country’s decade-long governing establishment on Monday.

Just days earlier, Oli had made a high-profile trip to China, holding talks with President Xi Jinping and attending theShanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit before watching a military parade in Beijing.

“Oli has relatively close relations with China, so I believe this will certainly attract greater attention from China,” said Lin Minwang, professor and vice dean at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday afternoon that China hoped all sectors in Nepal could “properly handle domestic issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible”.