BEIJING - At the invitation of the host country France and the International Olympic Committee, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will travel to France as President Xi Jinping's Special Representative to attend the opening ceremony and other events of the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday.

At a daily news briefing, Mao said that China has always attached great importance to the development of sports and actively participated in the international Olympic movement.

Vice President Han Zheng's presence at the opening ceremony and other events clearly demonstrates China's support for the development of the international Olympic movement and for France's hosting of the Games, Mao said.

China wishes the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris a full success and hopes that the event will inspire greater global solidarity and cooperation, she added.