Japan does not plan to set a new date for a postponed state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the time being, taking heed of growing domestic opposition following Beijing's move to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, government sources have said.

The coronavirus pandemic has already prompted Japan and China to reschedule Xi's visit slated for this spring, and some within the Japanese government expect the trip may not be realized until next spring or even later.

The delay in rescheduling what would be the first state visit by a Chinese president since 2008 comes on the heels of heightened tensions between China and the United States — Japan's key ally.