Displaying photos of the media-tarnished official may draw renewed global focus on China’s human rights situation.

Nikkei participated in a media tour organised by the Chinese government and confirmed yesterday that Zhang’s photographs would be present at a venue for the upcoming games.

Photos of Zhang were on display in a rest area at a ski resort in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province.

There were two photos of Zhang’s visit to the area in December 2017.

One shows him walking through the snow with a red banner to motivate people preparing for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Another shows him smiling and shaking hands with officials.

Zhang was in charge of preparations for the 2018 Winter Games.

In November, Peng reportedly posted on Weibo – China’s version of Twitter – that she had been in an extramarital relationship with the former vice-premier.

The post was quickly deleted and can no longer be seen.

“First, I need to stress one point that is extremely important: I have never said or written that anyone has sexually assaulted me. I have to clearly stress this point,” Peng is quoted as saying in the video posted by Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao.

Nikkei could not independently confirm the claim.

Earlier this month, the Women’s Tennis Association suspended tournaments in China, demanding that the Chinese government assure Peng’s well-being.

The association also wants the matter to be fully investigated.

“I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete (in China) when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault,” WTA chief executive Steve Simon said in a statement.