China’s state media have released videos purporting to show Peng Shuai in public, attempting to quell rising international concern over the Chinese government’s treatment of the missing tennis star.
Peng has not been seen nor heard from since early November. She alleged via social media that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli assaulted her on at least one occasion before she had a long running affair with the powerful political figure.
Her case has already attracted widespread attention to China’s authoritarian practices of censorship, forced disappearances and suppression of women’s rights activism.
In one of a series of social media posts on Twitter — and not reported in China — Hu Xijin, editor of the nationalist outlet Global Times, said: “In the past few days, she stayed in her own home freely and she didn’t want to be disturbed. She will show up in public and participate in some activities soon.”
Hu later posted two video clips, claiming they showed Peng having dinner at a restaurant on Saturday night.
Steve Simon, chief executive of the Women’s Tennis Association, said the video was “insufficient” to prove Peng’s safety.
“While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference . . . As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug.”
The episode also comes amid rising calls for boycotts of the Beijing Winter Olympics, due to start in February, in protest of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Earlier, Shen Shiwei, a state television employee posted to Twitter photos of Peng surrounded by toys and holding a cat. He claimed the pictures were shared by Peng’s friends.
“As I don’t believe Peng Shuai has received unfair treatment, so I am willing to believe the authenticity of these photos. And I am confident that the untrue speculations surrounding her will eventually be smashed,” Hu said.
The Financial Times could not verify the images or videos. Peng’s November 2 social media post has not been verified.
Peng Shuai’s WeChat moments just posted three latest photos and said “Happy weekend”.
— Shen Shiwei沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) November 19, 2021
Her friend shared the three photos and the screenshot of Peng’s WeChat moments. pic.twitter.com/tut8CEH6gu
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said earlier that the US was “deeply concerned” over Peng and called for Chinese authorities to “provide independent and verifiable proof of her whereabouts and that she is safe”.
“Any report of sexual assault should be investigated and we support a woman’s ability to speak out and seek accountability, whether here or around the world,” Psaki said.
“And we know the PRC has zero tolerance for criticism and a record of silencing those that speak out, and we continue to condemn those practices,” she added, referring to the formal name of People’s Republic of China.
The biggest stars in professional tennis including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have joined the top tennis organisations in publicly supporting Peng, a former top ranked doubles player. There have been widespread calls not only for the 35-year-old’s safety to be guaranteed but also for investigations into her claims against Zhang.
Simon, who over the past week has suggested that the association might be willing to pull events out of China, added: “I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”
Zhang, now retired and 40 years older than Peng, joined the Chinese Communist party’s most powerful body, the Politburo Standing Committee, in 2012. Peng’s detailed accusations against a senior official are unparalleled in China and remain censored.
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China state media claim to show images of missing tennis star - Financial Times
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