Following the Chinese tennis star’s sexual assault charges against one of the country’s most powerful officials, Zhang Gaoli. China declares on Tuesday, the scandal surrounding Peng Shuai is “maliciously” overstating.
Peng, a Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion, made no public appearance for more than two weeks after accusing a former vice-premier of sexual abuse. The WTA Tour urged that the Chinese authorities examine Peng Shuai’s sexual assault allegations. The censoring of the previous top-ranked doubles player was also lifted by the women’s tennis governing body. Concerns over Peng Shuai’s location have been by players ranging from Naomi Osaka to Serena Williams to Novak Djokovic. Even images and videos from Chinese media couldn’t soothe the growing anxiety.
I think some people should stop deliberately and maliciously hyping up
Shuai made a public appearance for the first time this weekend, attending a tennis match in Beijing. Zhao Lijian says, “I think some people should stop deliberately and maliciously hyping up, let alone politicize this issue.” The remark is certainly the most direct response from the Chinese government to Peng’s situation. Until Tuesday, Beijing had routinely dismissed questions about her whereabouts and well-being as “not a diplomatic concern.”
However, evidence corroborating her claims no longer exists. They have been taken down from China’s internet. The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the United Nations Office for Human Rights, and others have voiced concern about the doubles tennis star’s whereabouts. They have requested an investigation into her allegations of sexual assault. Peng took part in a 30-minute video conversation with the head of the International Olympic Committee on Sunday.
Women’s Tennis Association states, “This video does not change our call for a full, fair and transparent investigation. Without censorship, into her allegation of sexual assault, which is the issue that gave rise to our initial concern.” According to WTA CEO Steve Simon, the Women’s Tennis Association is willing to withdraw its events from China. If they are not okay with the response to former doubles world number one Peng Shuai’s sexual assault claim.