According to a report by Bloomberg, China Southern has been approached by Oneworld about joining the alliance which is led by British Airways and American Airlines.
Bringing China Southern into the alliance would open up connections for alliance members through mainland China as the airline has major hubs in Beijing and Guangzhou.
Membership would see it join fellow Asian carriers including Cathay Pacific, Sri Lankan Airliners, Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.
Oneworld already serves 190 destinations in 170 territories and a deal with China Southern could potentially unlock many destinations in mainland China.
No party has officially confirmed the talks yet.