China Pledges Full Rescue Effort for Missing Latvians After Border Debris Flow

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže following a cross-border debris flow disaster originating in Nepal that struck Gyirong County in Tibet. Thirty-three Latvian citizens were reported missing in the incident, representing the largest group of missing European nationals. Wang conveyed condolences, emphasized that Chinese and foreign nationals are treated equally in rescue operations, and pledged continued search efforts alongside ongoing bilateral cooperation as the two nations mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.

The cross-border disaster and the disappearance of 33 Latvian nationals make this an urgent consular emergency that tests disaster response and consular coordination between Beijing and Riga. The direct phone call underscores how humanitarian emergencies intersect with bilateral diplomatic ties, particularly involving an EU member state.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on September 14 to address emergency search-and-rescue operations following a deadly cross-border debris flow along the China-Nepal border, according to reports published by Xinhua and People's Daily. The disaster was triggered by a sudden ice-rock avalanche on the Nepalese side of the border, which caused severe mudslides and debris flows that swept into Gyirong County within China's Tibet Autonomous Region. According to statements during the call, the disaster resulted in significant casualties and left 33 Latvian citizens missing, making Latvia the European country with the highest number of unaccounted-for nationals in the incident. During the exchange, Braže expressed gratitude to Chinese authorities for their notifications, active search-and-rescue work, and condolences extended to the families of those missing. She affirmed Latvia's readiness to maintain close communication and collaboration with Chinese authorities to manage the disaster's aftermath. Braže also noted that the two countries had recently commemorated the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and expressed hope for continued communication and practical cooperation across bilateral and multilateral platforms. Wang extended condolences to the Latvian government and specifically to the families of the missing citizens. He stated that Chinese authorities treat Chinese and foreign nationals without distinction in emergency operations and are devoting full efforts to relief measures. Wang pledged that China would make every possible effort to continue the search and rescue for missing foreign nationals, including Latvians, and ensure proper follow-up arrangements. Turning to broader ties, Wang noted that China was among the earliest countries to recognize Latvia's independence and stated that bilateral relations have developed steadily based on mutual respect. He pointed to China's unilateral visa-free travel policy for Latvian citizens as an expression of confidence that has supported people-to-people exchanges, adding that Beijing wishes to use the 35th anniversary of ties to inject new substance into bilateral relations.