China's number-four man in the government hierarchy will visit Seoul Thursday at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Kim Won-ki.

During his five-day stay, Jia Qinglin, the head of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, is scheduled to meet with Kim and other top government and political leaders, including President Roh Moo-hyun and Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan.

During meetings with South Korean officials, Jia is expected to discuss pending bilateral issues, including North Korea's nuclear standoff and China's history claims over the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo.

The senior Chinese official will also visit major industrial sites, including Samsung Electronics plants and discuss ways to promote economic cooperation between South Korea and China.