New Delhi: China said the drama surrounding Peng Shuai was being escalated in a “malicious” way on Tuesday, after a Chinese tennis player leveled sexual harassment allegations against one of the country’s most influential leaders.
Responding to a question whether the case affected China’s international image, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, “I think some people should stop promoting intentionally and maliciously It is a far cry from politicizing the issue.”
Wimbledon and French Open doubles winner Peng went missing for more than two weeks after a former vice-premier accused her of sexual assault.
As of Tuesday, Beijing has dismissed questions about his whereabouts and well-being, claiming they were “not a diplomatic matter.”
His statements have also been removed from China’s highly restricted internet.
Peng’s first appearance:
The 35-year-old made his first public appearance over the weekend when he was seen at a Beijing tennis event.
The video clip posted by the editor of Global Times – a Chinese state-affiliated media – said she was “at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final”, which was described as the FILA Kids Junior Tennis Challenger final.
Peng Shuai appeared at the opening ceremony of the final of a teen tennis match in Beijing on Sunday morning. Global Times photo reporter Cui Meng captured him at the scene. pic.twitter.com/7wlBcTMgGy
— Hu Zijin Hu Zijin (@HuXijin_GT) November 21, 2021
The China Open also published photos of Peng at the Fila Kids Junior Tennis Challenger final on Sunday.
Evidence Insufficient:
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has expressed its concern despite the video, saying the evidence is “insufficient”. “The photos and video footage of Peng that surfaced on Sunday are ‘insufficient’,” the WTA told Reuters.
“We are deeply concerned by the apparent disappearance of Peng Shuai and are following the matter closely,” Britain’s Foreign Office told AFP. The statement also said Beijing should “immediately provide verifiable evidence of its security and whereabouts”.
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