Citing sources close to China's Communist Party, Japanese news agency Kyodo News reports that Sun is in line to attend the ceremony, scheduled to be held on July 23 at Japan's National Stadium.

Sun is one of China's four Vice Premiers and is the portfolio holder for sport as the nation prepares for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

It is reported that China is looking to strengthen cooperation with Japan which is due to stage the Olympics and Paralympics against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

China is said to support the staging of this year's Games despite public opposition in Japan amid concerns over rising COVID-19 figures.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has previously claimed the back-to-back timing of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 can be beneficial for organisers of the Winter Olympic Games.

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics have been rescheduled for July 23 to August 8, with the Closing Ceremony taking place less than six months before Beijing 2022 opens on February 4.

French President Emmanuel Macron is also reportedly planning to attend the Opening Ceremony.

France is due to stage the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris and will receive the baton from Japan following the conclusion of the Games in Tokyo.

It was reported last month that First Lady Jill Biden is expected to represent the United States at the Opening Ceremony.

According to reports in the US and Japan, the White House and the Government in Tokyo are coordinating her visit and are planning on arranging her meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

US President Joe Biden himself will not be attending the Opening Ceremony.

Los Angeles is scheduled to play host to the Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.

The Opening Ceremony could be held in front of just VIPs with all other spectators expected to be banned due to COVID-19 concerns.

Asahi Shimbun reports that foreign dignitaries, diplomats, IOC members and Olympic sponsors will be among those who will be able to attend.