Kathmandu, Jan 30 A top Chinese delegation is in Nepal to help the Himalayan nation overcome its energy crisis as the nation prepares to face unprecedented load-shedding.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao&aposs younger brother met Prime Minister Prachanda at his official residence yesterday. The Chinese representative is in Kathmandu with the aim to sell its huge diesel plant to Nepal, which is facing acute power shortage, Nepalipatra weekly, a popular Nepali language tabloid, said today.

The thermal plant, which was built by China for back up support during the Beijing Olympics, is currently lying idle, according to the weekly. Nepal wants to buy the plant at cheaper price to end the current 14-hour load shedding, it said.

Meanwhile, the reported participation of a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official during the national convention of Madhesi People&aposs Rights Forum recently has fueled speculation of Beijing&aposs growing interest in the troubled politics of the Terai plains bordering India.

China has shown concern regarding political developments in Nepal especially after Nepal witnessed months of anti- Beijing demonstrations in Kathmandu last year in the wake of suppression of Tibetan protestors by Chinese military in March.

According to political observers, China is pushing to increase its influence in the Terai plains. Matrika Yadav, a Maoist leader from the Terai lowland is currently on a visit to China, a media report said. His visit to China figured during the two-day meeting of the Maoist party, according to the Annapurna Post national daily.