After Peng Shuai's disappearance, WTA pulls out of China ahead of Winter Olympics: What we know so far
Women's Tennis Association President and CEO Steve Simon announced on December 2 that all tennis events will be halted in China including in Hong Kong, after he did not receive a proper response over Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's well-being after her accusations on the former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli.
Shuai had taken to Chinese social media platform Weibo on November 2 to accuse Gaoli of forcing her into sex. The post was then deleted 30 minutes later, and her Weibo account has since become unsearchable to users. She did make a brief appearence and said she was safe, in a video call with International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach.
WTA'S STATEMENT: Simon said, "I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. In good conscience, I don't see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault."
He added, "Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022."
"With the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong."
— wta (@WTA) December 1, 2021
CHINA'S RESPONSE: The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin told a media briefing in response to questions on the WTA's announcement, "We have already elaborated our position. We are always firmly opposed to acts that politicise sports."
Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times said in a tweet, "The unilateral decision of the WTA in name of 'protecting its players' was made based on fictitious information."
The unilateral decision of @WTA, in name of “protecting its players”, was made based on fictitious information. It not only beset and hurt the relevant athlete herself, but also will severely harm the female tennis players’ fair opportunities to compete: CTA https://t.co/E7j9lFLMGr
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 2, 2021
WORD FROM EU: The European Union said on November 30 that it wants China to offer “verifiable proof” that Peng is safe. An EU spokesperson said, "Her recent public reappearance does not ease concerns about her safety and freedom."
The International Tennis Federation also told news agency AFP, "The WTA has stood firm and true to its values from the start and we understand their decision. We will continue to closely monitor the situation."
Beijing is all set to host the Winter Olympics commencing on February 4, 2022, despite increasing demand for a diplomatic boycott of the Games due to the country's human rights record; the Peng Shuai incident being the latest on the list.