The opposition chief Monday asked President Park Geun-hye to visit Beijing next month for China's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Moon Jae-in, head of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, made the recommendation at a meeting with top party officials, noting that the government should take the initiative in diplomacy.

Park could make a decision on whether to attend China's celebrations as early as later this week, presidential spokesman Min Kyung-wook told reporters.

China has invited world leaders to attend the huge military parade on Sept. 3 that is expected to highlight Japan's surrender in the war, but many Western leaders are likely to shun the event because it could trumpet China's rivalry with Japan.

Last week, South Korea and the United States said that Park will hold summit talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on Oct. 16, prompting speculation that an unusually early announcement could pave the way for Park's visit to China.

China fought on North Korea's side against South Korea and the U.S.-led U.N. forces in the 1950-53 Korean War but has been economically drawn to South Korea in recent decades.

China is South Korea's largest trade partner. Trade volume between South Korea and China stood at $228.9 billion in 2013.

In May, Park sent an envoy to Russia for the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II. (Yonhap)