A reporter with Chinese state media posted two short video clips of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai to Twitter this morning.
“I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant,” wrote Hu Xijin, who is the editor of Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times. “The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time.”
CNN cannot independently verify the two video clips or when they were filmed.
China has been facing pressure from the United Nations over Peng’s whereabouts as the organisation called for an investigation into her allegations of sexual assault.
https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1462075117266096135
WTA boss Steve Simon confirmed he had seen the video but said the organisation wasn’t satisfied.
“I am glad to see the videos released by China state-run media that appear to show Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing,” he said in a statement.
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“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.
“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.”
The White House also said on Friday it is “deeply concerned” about Peng’s safety.
Peng, who is one of China’s most recognizable sports stars, had accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex at his home, according to screenshots of a since-deleted social media post dated November 2.
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Peng’s post on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like platform, was deleted within 30 minutes of publication, with Chinese censors moving swiftly to wipe out any mention of the accusation online. Her Weibo account, which has more than half a million followers, is still blocked from searchers on the platform.
Simon has said he is willing to lose hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business in China if Peng is not fully accounted for and her allegations are not properly investigated.
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