Peng Shuai’s Vanishing Act: China’s Spin on a Global Spotlight
What’s the Story?
On Nov 2, tennis star Peng Shuai shocked the world by tweeting that former vice‑premier Zhang Gaoli had coerced her into sex and that they later maintained a somewhat “on‑and‑off” relationship. After that, she simply disappeared from public view and heard.
Outrage and #WhereIsPengShuai
- Global tennis giants and the WTA sent out a plea for an investigation.
- Players rallied on Twitter with the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai.
- Both Zhang and the Chinese government remain silent about the allegations.
China’s State‑Media Whisper
Global Times editor Hu Xijin swore on Twitter (outside China’s blocked platform) that there’s no evidence of retaliation against Peng. He’s known for throwing shade at the U.S., but here he’s defending the “national narrative.”
WTA’s Skepticism
WTA CEO Steve Simon shot down a purported email purporting to be from Peng that said she was safe and that her accusations were “false.” He admitted he’s not convinced the email was genuine or that Peng actually wrote it.
Olympic Timelines & Human‑Rights Watchdogs
With the Winter Olympics looming in Beijing this February, human‑rights advocates question whether Peng’s case could spark a boycott. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian brushed off any diplomatic worries, insisting it isn’t a foreign affair and that he’s “unaware” of Peng’s situation.
What You Might Not Know
Peng Shuai’s social media post was deleted in a flash, and these topics are now heavily censored across China’s internet. The government’s silence, combined with the swift deletion of her alleged statement, has left many hoping that the world will keep pushing for answers.
