At a time when India is trying to tighten bonds between the political parties and the Maoists and facilitate the peace process, China seems to be trying to distance the parties from the Maoists. Sources say that China, keeping in mind Nepal's sovereignty and integrity, is trying to bring together the palace and the Maoists. Maoist hardliners Mohan Baidya, CP Gajurel and Ram Bahadur Thapa have been used by China, say sources. Two weeks ago, the Maoist politicians and Chinese envoys met at a hotel. Since then, the Maoists have been interacting with royalists and the army. Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara has even met former royalist minister Prakash Koirala.