China should give access to Peng

With the Australian Open in Melbourne starting on January 17 and the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 4, Chinese authorities should understand the depth of concern that exists around the world over the fate of its former world No 1 doubles champion Peng Shuai, 35. Even the UN is demanding “verifiable” answers following Peng’s mysterious “disappearance” after she posted a lengthy online account on November 2 of being sexually assaulted by a leading light of the communist regime, powerful politburo member and former vice-premier of China Zhang Gaoli, 75.

The post was deleted 30 minutes after it appeared. Nothing was heard about Peng until the Women’s Tennis Association sounded the alarm, worried that her sudden silence meant she was in trouble with Xi Jinping’s oppressive dictatorship.

An unconvincing statement allegedly made by Peng, published by Chinese state media last Wednesday, claimed all was well. WTA chief executive Steve Simon, who has repeatedly tried to contact her and failed, was unconvinced. As were many of the world’s top tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams. Their fears were not allayed by videos published by Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of Global Times, the communist regime’s chief English-language propaganda machine. The footage purported to show Peng smiling with friends in a restaurant.

The WTA has now demanded direct contact with her, and Canadian Dick Pound, the International Olympic Committee’s longest-serving active member, told Reuters news agency that although unlikely, stripping Beijing of the Winter Games could not be ruled out. The Biden administration has also expressed deep concern. It had previously considered imposing a “diplomatic boycott” on the Winter Games because of human rights abuses against the Uighurs and Hong Kong’s democrats. Other nations may now join such a boycott.

Transparency from Beijing about Peng is imperative if the global outcry over her fate is not to damage the Winter Olympics and China’s place in world sport. Chinese Communist Party lies, deceit and fabrication are no answer to the concerns being expressed.