The 39-year-old Serbian has won all his singles matches at the China Open and enters this year’s competition with six titles to his name.
Djokovic, a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, is currently ranked 11th in the world but remains one of the leading attractions in the men’s draw.
The tournament will provide another opportunity for Djokovic to add to his record in China as he continues his campaign at the latter stages of his career.
He has been drawn against Borges in the first round, with a strong run in Beijing potentially helping him strengthen his position in the rankings.
Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka is the second seed in the women’s draw after losing the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina also defeated Sabalenka in the US Open final this month.
Sabalenka, who has not won a title since March, will face either Hungary’s Anna Bondar or Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in the second round.
Last year’s champion Amanda Anisimova will miss the tournament after ending her season early because of a wrist injury.
Rybakina, the top seed, will face either Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubtseva or Armenia’s Alina Charaeva.
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