There are many reasons why Japan is determined to hold the already-delayed Tokyo Olympics this summer, but there is one that is seldom discussed publicly: China.

Beijing is set to host the Winter Games next year, and China has made it clear that it plans to push ahead, with the virus largely contained within its borders.

That’s caught the attention of Japanese government officials, who have been citing China’s increased publicity for the Winter Olympics in their conversations with organizers of the Tokyo Games, according to a person involved in planning for the sporting bonanza, due to start July 23. Organizers see that as a sign Japan wants to plow ahead with the games despite the ongoing pandemic, said the person, asking not to be identified because these concerns aren’t being discussed publicly.