China on Thursday said it supports friendly ties between India and Nepal and that New Delhi, Kathmandu and Beijing are important neighbors to each other and can work together for common development.

Beijing also praised Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli remarks about the Himalayan nation maintaining an independent foreign policy.

"We commend the Nepali government's commitment towards independent foreign policy. We also support Nepal developing friendly and positive relations with its neighbors," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

"China, Nepal and India are important neighbors to each other. We hope these three could work together, have some sound interactions and achieve common development," Lu added.