Where is Peng Shuai? US concerned over the Chinese tennis star’s disappearance

Peng Shuai accused China's ex-vice-premier of sexual assault two weeks ago

November 20, 2021

China is asked by the US to prove Peng Shuai location

The US has raised its deep concern over the Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai and The White House urged China to “provide independent, verifiable proof” of Peng’s whereabouts and safety.

Peng Shuai alleged she was “forced” into sexual relations with Mr. Zhang — who served as the country’s vice-premier between 2013 and 2018, the report said.

BBC reported that the US says it is “deeply concerned” about Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who has not been heard from since making sexual assault allegations against a top Communist Party official.

The former number-one-ranked doubles player and winner of doubles Grand Slam has not been seen in public since posting an allegation about former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli on Chinese social media site Weibo on 2 November.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has threatened to pull events out of China. WTA Chairman Steve Simon told the BBC that there will be no competitions in China next year without proof that Peng was safe.

Steve said, “We cannot stand by compromises. This is a right and wrong issue.”

The Chinese Tennis Association has responded to the WTA that Peng is safe, and in Beijing, although Steve said there has been no confirmation that is true. Earlier this week, Chinese state media released an email attributed to Ms. Peng, but Simon cast doubt about its authenticity.

On Friday, three photos of Peng were posted on a WeChat account under her name with the caption “Happy Weekend“, but the authenticity of the post on the Chinese instant messaging service is under question, BBC reported.

The former number-one-ranked doubles player has not been seen in public since posting an allegation about former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli on Chinese social media site Weibo on 2 November.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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