Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is "likely" he will visit China for a top-level meeting this year.
Australia has been negotiating with China to iron out a number of trade issues and has raised concerns in various forums about security challenges presented by Beijing.
Asked whether he would visit, Mr Albanese told Sky News on Monday: "I think it is likely to be the case."
The prime minister said he had been invited to go to China for a meeting with president Xi Jinping and officials were discussing arrangements.
"I've said very clearly that we'll co-operate with China where we can, we'll disagree where we must, and we'll engage in our national interest," Mr Albanese said.
"I think that engagement and diplomacy and dialogue is always a good thing."
