Toshihiro Nikai, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's General Council, plans to visit China in late October, according to an LDP source.

During his trip, Nikai seeks to hold talks with senior officials of the Chinese government and Communist Party.

The purpose of Nikai's visit is to build on recent signs of a thaw in bilateral relations that have been long chilled by disputes over territory and history, ahead of a planned trilateral summit with South Korea in Seoul that could take place in late October.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang may also meet on the sidelines of the trilateral summit.

In talks with Communist Party leaders, Nikai hopes to discuss measures to boost bilateral tourism and promote people-to-people exchanges, the source said Wednesday.

Nikai is considering leaving for Beijing around Oct. 28 and staying for several days, the source said. During his last visit in May, Nikai delivered a personal letter from Abe to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Nikai is known among LDP lawmakers for his good relations with China and South Korea.