On December 8, 2020, President Xi Jinping and Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari exchanged letters to jointly announce the new height of Mount Qomolangma.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Nepal reached consensus last year on the joint announcement of the new height of the peak. For more than a year, the two countries' surveying teams have overcome all kinds of difficulties, solidly carried out their work, and finally reached a conclusion on the snow surface height of Mount Qomolangma based on the International Height Reference System. Xi Jinping said today, he, together with President Bhandari, on behalf of China and Nepal, officially announced to the world that the new height of Mount Qomolangma is 8,848.86 meters.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Mount Qomolangma is an important symbol of the China-Nepal traditional friendship. The two countries have established the world's highest peak as the boundary between China and Nepal and as the "China-Nepal Friendship Peak". Xi Jinping said the joint announcement of the new height of Mount Qomolangma with his Nepalese counterpart is of great significance in carrying forward the undertakings of the predecessors to the future, and showcasing the high level of the continuous development of China-Nepal relations. China is willing to join hands with Nepal to actively promote the cooperation in ecological and environmental protection and scientific research of Mount Qomolangma, and better safeguard the precious wealth and home of both peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. With the joint efforts of both sides, the political mutual trust has been enhanced, the Belt and Road cooperation has been promoted steadily, and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network is changing from a vision to a reality. China and Nepal need to put forward their strategic partnership featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, and work together to build a closer community of shared future benefitting both countries and peoples.

Bhandari said in her letter that Nepal and China have always been good neighbors, friends, and partners. Cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economic development, connectivity, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges serves the interests of both countries. Mount Qomolangma is a lasting symbol of the traditional friendship between Nepal and China. She was pleased to work with His Excellency to announce the new snow surface height of Mount Qomolangma as 8,848.86 meters. Today's announcement of the new height of Mount Qomolangma is of historical significance. President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Nepal last year, pushing China-Nepal relations and bilateral cooperation into a new era. The two governments will work to implement the consensus reached during his visit and jointly realize economic and social development and prosperity.