Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed China's support for friendly China-Japan exchanges when asked on Thursday about the reported visit to China of Toshihiro Nikai, a leading figure from Japan's ruling party.

Nikai, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's General Council, plans to visit China in late October, the Japan Times quoted an LDP source as saying.

"The Chinese government supports friendly exchanges and cooperation in various areas between China and Japan," Hong said.

Nikai led a 3,000-member delegation to China in May and attended the China-Japan friendship exchange meeting in Beijing.

The delegation, including heads of local governments and enterprises, marks the largest mission between the two countries since Tokyo's illegal purchase of China's Diaoyu Islands in September 2012.

According to Hong, the delegation's visit, and a proposal issued by those participating from various walks of life from both countries, has promoted understanding and friendship between the two countries.

"We welcome Toshihiro Nikai to continue to play a positive role in promoting China-Japan exchanges and improving the bilateral relationship," the spokesman said.