On June 3, 2001, Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council cabled to Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to convey his deep condolences over the demise of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya.

Zhu said in the cable that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the unfortunate demise of King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. He recalled that he held friendly talks with the late King during his recent visit to Nepal, adding that the pleasant words and happy countenance of the late king are still fresh in his memory. He noted that King Birendra enjoyed very high prestige in Nepal and had made unremitting efforts for the prosperity, economic and social development of Nepal. He noted that King Birendra had made important contributions to the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Nepal in the past several decades and was a sincere and good friend of the Chinese people. Zhu expressed, on behalf of the Chinese government, mourning and condolences to the Nepalese government and people through Prime Minister Koirala.