KATHMANDU, July 6 -- Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi held a meeting with one of the dissident leaders of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Madhav Kumar Nepal at the latter's residence in Koteshwar on Sunday evening.

Sources close to leader Nepal said Ambassador Hou inquired about the intra-party disputes within the ruling NCP. The envoy expressed concern over the growing rift seen within the ruling NCP.

The meeting of the ambassador Hou with senior NCP leader Nepal came ahead of a crucial Standing Committee meeting of the NCP. The Standing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday is expected to decide whether to oust Prime Minister Oli from one of the two positions-- party's chairman and the prime minister-- he holds now.

Earl...