The Prime Minister's Office has denied a news report confirming that Dr Mahathir Mohamad will visit China next month.

A PMO source told Malaysiakini that nothing has been confirmed.

Furthermore, the source said Mahathir has a packed schedule for next month, especially with the 14th parliament session commencing on July 16.

“As far as I know, nothing is confirmed yet. July is too packed with stuff,” added the source.

American news portal Dwnews quoted Malaysian government sources confirming that Mahathir would visit the republic around July 21 or 22.

The report said China and Malaysia are finalising the schedule and details of the visit, adding that both nations would cooperate on economic and trade matters.

Dwnews also said that Mahathir is planning to meet several Chinese top business leaders.

Japan was the first country Mahathir visited after becoming prime minister, where he attended the Nikkei conference earlier this month and met with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

Mahathir later said he would visit Beijing once he is able to find the time to do so.