A day after the United Nations and the White House called for “proof” on the whereabouts of missing Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, video of the former number one women’s doubles player emerged via Chinese state media.
Peng had not been seen in public since November 2nd when she accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her three years ago. Her post was deleted nearly 30 minutes after publication on Peng’s Weibo account, a Chinese social media platform.
On Saturday, Hu Xijin — editor in chief of the Global Times — posted two videos to his Twitter account showing Peng entering a restaurant and having a conversation while eating dinner with “her coach and friends.”
“I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant,” Xijin posted. “The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time.”
I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant. The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time. pic.twitter.com/HxuwB5TfBk
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
Xijin then posted a second video of what appears to be Peng entering the restaurant.
This is the second clip. pic.twitter.com/BWzdBkIJ94
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
According to Reuters, “The Global Times is published by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party.”
WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon responded to the videos, saying they were “insufficient.”
“While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference,” Simon said. “This video alone is insufficient. As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”
On Sunday, additional videos of Peng were posted by Xijin, which show Peng attending a youth tennis tournament in Beijing.
“Peng Shuai showed up at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning,” Xijin said. “Global Times photo reporter Cui Meng captured her at scene.”
Peng Shuai showed up at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning. Global Times photo reporter Cui Meng captured her at scene. pic.twitter.com/7wlBcTMgGy
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 21, 2021
“Can any girl fake such sunny smile under pressure? Those who suspect Peng Shuai is under duress, how dark they must be inside,” Xijin said in a second clip. “There must be many many forced political performances in their countries.”
Can any girl fake such sunny smile under pressure? Those who suspect Peng Shuai is under duress, how dark they must be inside. There must be many many forced political performances in their countries. pic.twitter.com/2oDOghBTvA
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 21, 2021
Sunday morning, president of the IOC Thomas Bach held a video call with Peng, where she said she is “safe and well.”
“I was relieved to see that Peng Shuai was doing fine, which was our main concern. She appeared to be relaxed. I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated,” said Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
Many prominent tennis players have expressed concerns over Peng’s safety, including Naomi Osaka, the former world number one.
“Censorship is never ok at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and ok,” Osaka wrote. “I’m in shock of the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way.”
On Saturday, 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer became the latest tennis star to speak out on Peng’s situation.
“She’s one of our tennis champions, a former world No. 1, and clearly it’s concerning,” Federer told Sky Italia. “I hope she’s safe. The tennis family sticks together, and I’ve always told my children as well that the tennis family is my second family. I’ve been on tour for 20-25 years and I love the tour, I love the people that are there, [they] are special, the players as well, and she’s one of them.”
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].