Nepal seeks Chinese aid to fight Maoist rebels

Nepal’s King Gyanendra is seeking Beijing’s help in fighting rebels who are inspired by the revolutionary father of communist China, Mao Zedong.

China has expressed support for the Himalayan kingdom’s fight against the Maoist rebels, but has not specified what kind of help it would provide.

‘‘China resolutely supports the measures adopted by the Nepalese king and government to keep domestic peace and stability,’’ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.

The king and queen arrived in China today for a seven day state visit.

It is Gyanendra’s second visit to a foreign country since he was enthroned a year ago following the assassination of his elder brother, King Birendra, in a palace massacre committed by the late crown prince.