The US President is concerned about the tennis player.
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(Photo: AP)
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Washington/Peking/Paris US President Joe Biden is “deeply concerned” about the fate of Peng Shuai, China’s state media are using video clips that seem strange in some cases to counter the growing outrage around the world. The case of the missing tennis player has reached the highest political levels and, a few weeks before the start of the Winter Olympics (February 4th to 20th), brings the Middle Kingdom into ever greater need of explanation.
“We urge the Chinese authorities to provide independent and verifiable evidence of their whereabouts and safety,” said Biden’s spokeswoman Jen Psaki. China has a zero-tolerance policy towards critics and this continues to be condemned. Peng accused top Chinese politician Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in early November and has not been seen publicly since.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has threatened China with diplomatic consequences if the government does not allow tennis player Peng Shuai to speak in public. “In this matter I am only waiting for one thing, and that is for Peng Shuai to speak”, said the minister on Sunday on the French radio station RTL. If not, China must expect diplomatic consequences.
Probably due to the growing international pressure, the editor-in-chief of the state newspaper “Global Times” published various video clips over the weekend that are supposed to prove that the former world number one is doing well in doubles. However, the videos have various oddities in the editing – and Peng Shuai does not even take the floor. One clip shows the 35-year-old allegedly in a restaurant in Beijing with her trainer and friends, another is said to have been made at the opening of a youth tennis tournament. Amazingly, the videos were posted on Twitter, which is largely censored in China.
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Steve Simon, head of the international women’s tennis organization WTA, was accordingly unimpressed. “This video alone is not enough. While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear whether she is free and able to make her own decisions, ”commented the manager on the restaurant clip. Simon had previously threatened to withdraw the WTA tour completely from China if the situation with Peng Shuai was not resolved quickly and satisfactorily. A move that would cost the organization hundreds of millions of dollars. Nine tournaments were held in China in 2019 alone, and the WTA Finals are also awarded to Shenzhen until 2028.
Simon also asked for help in a letter to the Chinese US ambassador. “This is an urgent matter that should get the attention of senior politicians so that it can be successfully resolved,” wrote the official. He said that Peng Shuai could leave the country or talk to him on a conference call.
Other tennis stars have already shown solidarity with Peng Shuai.
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(Photo: via REUTERS)
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After stars like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka had expressed their concerns about Peng Shuai, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have now also spoken out. “This news is very disturbing. I hope it is safe. The tennis family stands together, ”said the 40-year-old Swiss. “I very much hope that she is fine.”
Djokovic advocated that the WTA threatens to withdraw from China. “I fully support the position of the WTA as an organization and also its president,” said the 34-year-old Serb at the ATP Finals in Turin. It would be “a bit strange,” said Djokovic, if the situation was not resolved and tournaments were held in China. So far these are all words. Ultimately, everyone involved will have to be judged by their actions.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reacted very reserved to the case. “The IOC appreciates the concerns expressed by so many athletes and National Olympic Committees. We also appreciate the support of the IOC Athletes Commission for our quiet diplomatic approach, ”said a spokesman. This means that the open dialogue with the Olympic movement in China will continue at all levels.
More: Biden and Xi approach each other – but the big conflicts remain
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