Kathmandu:  Nepal and China will conduct their first ever joint military exercise early next year, Chinese Defence Ministry has said. Ministry Spokesperson Yang Yujun in a regular press briefing has said the drill will be conducted in 2017, Kathmandu Post reported.

According to Yang, both the nations are in "initial communication" about the joint army exercises, and details would be announced in due time. Nepal also holds military drills with other countries, including India and the US.

According to reports, the military drill will be held in February next year and will focus on training Nepali soldiers in dealing with hostage scenarios involving international terror groups, My Republica reported.

The new development is seen as China's growing interest in the Himalayan republic since the deterioration of relations between Nepal and India due to the border blockade last year, the daily said.