A delegation of Japan's Association for the Promotion of International Trade headed by former Lower House speaker Yohei Kono will visit China starting Sunday, a diplomatic source said Tuesday.
The delegation hopes to meet with a representative of the Chinese Communist Party's seven-member Politburo Standing Committee on Monday, according to the source.
Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga, at odds with the central government over the planned relocation of a U.S. air base within his prefecture, will join the mission in a bid to attract tourists to Okinawa, after arriving in Beijing on Saturday.
China and the delegation are expected to discuss a statement to be issued by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan's new security legislation to allow the exercise of the right to collective self-defense.
As Onaga will participate in the group of Japanese visitors, their expected talks with the Chinese side may also touch on U.S. base issues.
Among Chinese leaders who may meet the Japanese delegation is Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Communist Party's fourth-ranked chief.
The group will also visit Xian before returning home on April 17.