Shanghai, November 21
Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, whose whereabouts have been a matter of international concern for weeks, attended a tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday, according to official photos published by the tournament organised by China Open.
Peng can be seen among guests at the Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger Finals, dressed in a dark blue jacket and white trousers, according to the pictures published on the event’s official WeChat page.
The former doubles world number one had not been seen or heard from publicly since she said on Chinese social media on November 2 that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had coerced her into sex and they later had an on-off consensual relationship.
Neither Zhang nor the Chinese government has commented on her allegation. Peng’s social media post was quickly deleted and the topic has been blocked from discussion on China’s heavily censored internet.
World tennis bodies have expressed concern, with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) threatening to pull tournaments out of China. The United States and Britain have called for evidence of Peng’s whereabouts and safety.
The photographs and video footage of Peng that emerged on Sunday remain “insufficient” and do not address the WTA’s concerns, a spokesperson for the group told Reuters by email.
The U.S. and British embassies in Beijing did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment on Peng’s Sunday appearance in the Chinese capital.
The issue of Peng’s safety and whereabouts has emerged as China prepares to host the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February amid calls from global rights groups and others for a boycott over its human rights record.
Hu Xijin, the editor of state-backed newspaper Global Times, tweeted Peng’s appearance at the tournament earlier on Sunday. The Global Times is published by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party.
Videos posted by Hu and a Global Times reporter showed her smiling, waving and signing autographs for children.
The 37-second video Hu posted appears to show Peng standing in a row of people being introduced to the audience. An announcer says, “Two-time Grand Slam champion, former world number one in woman’s doubles – Peng Shuai!” She waves, smiling, and acknowledges applause.
Global Times chief reporter Chen Qingqing posted a 31-second video, apparently from the same event. Peng appears to sign oversized tennis balls for children and pose with them for pictures.
Reuters was not able to independently verify the authenticity of the images, which were both credited to Global Times staffer Cui Meng. — Reuters
Female tennis player Peng Shuai whereabouts currently unknown after making Sexual abuse allegations against Chinese government official.
This speech gives us a reminder and some hope that things can change in the future 🙏 #WhereIsPengShuai https://t.co/eKnLCHcPLj
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) November 19, 2021
I wake up every morning with a knot in my stomach thinking about Peng Shuai…. We read about atrocities taking place in foreign countries, but this has hit too close to home. Prayers and action are needed. 🙏
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) November 20, 2021
Peng Shuai, please know that your fellow players stand with you.
Thinking of you and hope you are safe #whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/CoMjLoLzLS
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) November 19, 2021
Bravo again…
This is bigger than women’s tennis, bigger than tennis, bigger than sport. It’s about basic human rights…
Can’t hear you IOC!!! Last time I checked, Peng Shuai is an Olympian!!! #threetimeOlympian https://t.co/aEIoykIpKR
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) November 20, 2021
It is terrifying that a woman who has made an allegation of sexual abuse against a powerful man is now missing. Pressure must be brought to bear on the Chinese state. #WHEREISPENGSHAUI #SayHerName #PengShuai pic.twitter.com/zsXtMDLgRF
— Joanna Cherry QC (@joannaccherry) November 20, 2021
(The article is generated from The Tribune via feeds, The Chenab Times staff didn’t wrote this news.)
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk