China now has an entirely different set of tools to expand its influence in Nepal. These are economic and relate to trade and transport infrastructure. Gyanendra?s need for Chinese support and Beijing?s desire for Tibet?s economic integration with the southern side of the Himalayas opens up the space for a range of new agreements between Nepal and its northern neighbour. These include the construction of additional highways linking Nepal and China. Beijing is already building a second road link between Kathmandu and Tibet through Rasuwagadhi and Kerung pass. The present road between Kathmandu and Lhasa, through the Kodari pass, was based on an agreement in the early 1960s. The new road will shorten Nepal?s access to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Beijing also wants to start construction of other roads linking Tibet with eastern and western parts of Nepal. These include the development of the Koshi-Kimathanka corridor in the east and the Jomsom-Lumanthang link in the west. China hopes that some of these new transport corridors can be extended further south to link up with India?s Gangetic plain. China hopes to connect Tibet and Nepal through optic fibre links and energy pipelines. There is also some talk about bringing the rail line between mainland China and Tibet closer to the Nepal border. Nepal has been pressing China to sign a free trade agreement similar to the one it has with India. As a growing number of Chinese tourists arrive in Nepal, Beijing is pressing for equal treatment with visitors from India.