Missing Chinese tennis star reappears in public in Beijing


Beijing (AP) — Missing tennis star Peng Shuai reappears at a youth tournament in Beijing on Sunday, according to photos released by the organizers. Senior leader of sexual assault.

China Open’s post on Weibo’s social media service did not mention Peng’s disappearance or her accusations. Peng was shown standing beside the court, waving an oversized commemorative tennis ball for the children and signing.

This appearance follows Saturday’s Twitter editor’s announcement that three Olympic athletes will soon “appear publicly,” which is not seen by most Internet users in China.

The ruling party warned against Peng without admitting her disappearance after Wimbledon and former Paris Open champions accused Zhang Gaoli, a member of the party’s ruling party’s standing committee, for having sex until 2018. Seems to be trying to relieve.

Peng’s disappearance and government silence in response to a request for information prompted a boycott call for the February Beijing Winter Olympics, a fame event for the Communist Party. The Women’s Pro Tour threatened to pull the event out of China unless the former No. 1 doubles player was safe.

The discussion about Peng’s accusations has been removed from the Chinese website. A government spokesman on Friday denied knowing about the protest. The ruling party’s internet filter also blocks most people in China from seeing other social media abroad and most global news outlets.

Comments on Chinese social media on Sunday criticized the Women’s Tennis Association and others who talked about Peng, while Chinese comments on Twitter enjoyed the nasty release of photos and videos.

“When will the WTA leave China?” Comments on the Sina Weibo social media service that signed the “Sleep Time”.

Peng has increased the number of Chinese businessmen, activists and the general public in recent years, who disappeared after criticizing party figures or cracking down on corruption, democracy and workers’ rights campaigns.

Some people will reappear without explanation after a few weeks or months. This suggests that you are warned not to disclose the reason or reason for your detention.

Hu Xijin, editor of the Global Times, wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Peng “stays free in his own home” and “appears in public and immediately participates in several activities.” rice field.

The English Global Times, aimed at foreign readers, is known for its nationalist tone. President Hu has used his Twitter account to criticize foreign governments and point out social and economic problems abroad.

A comment on bobzhang999, signed on Twitter, says, “Hu Dog, there are so many pictures, why don’t you let Peng Shuai talk?”

Another signed sorcerer said, “Please let Peng Shuai’s parents hold a press conference.”

Tennis stars and the WTA have been unusually vocal in requesting information about Peng. Other companies and sports groups are hesitant to confront Beijing for fear of losing access to the Chinese market and other retaliation.

The ruling party has not revealed whether it is investigating Peng’s charges against Gao (75), who left the standing committee in 2018 and has almost disappeared from public.

Even if Peng’s accusations were justified, Chinese people often embarrassed the party by publishing complaints about abuse instead of going through a secretive, often unresponsive official system. Imprisoned or face other punishments.

The status of star athletes like Peng is particularly sensitive. State media celebrates their victory as evidence that the party is strengthening China. However, the party is wary of ensuring that they cannot use their excellence and public appeal to erode that image.

Steve Simon, chairman and chief executive officer of the WTA, expressed concern about the safety of the pen after posting two videos on Saturday that appear to be Fu showing her at a restaurant.

“Meeting her is positive, but it’s unclear if she’s free and able to make her own decisions and take action without coercion or external interference. This video alone isn’t enough. “Simon said. “Our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”

The International Olympic Committee remains silent about the situation of Peng, who has participated in three Olympic games, contributing millions of dollars in IOC revenue from broadcasting and sponsorship.

Emma Terho, the newly elected chairman of the IOC’s Athletes Committee, responsible for representing the interests of Olympic athletes, said in a statement Saturday that the IOC’s “supporting quiet diplomacy” approach was mentioned. rice field.

Last week, the foreign division of state television issued an English statement due to Peng, who withdrew her charges against Zhang. Simon of the WTA questioned its legitimacy, but others said it only increased their concerns about her safety.