Women’s Tennis Association asks China to investigate ex-No 1 Peng Shuai’s sexual assault claims

The World Tennis Association, on Sunday, called on the Chinese government to conduct a full, fair and transparent investigation on former No 1 star Peng Shuai’s sexual assault claims. The 35-year-old had accused Communist Party’s former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of  ‘forcing  her into sex’. The whereabouts of the player are not known since. 

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian was asked to respond to the mounting questions about Peng. He said “I have not heard of the issue you raised.”

He further said that the question was not diplomatic and made no further comment. 

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“The recent events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern. As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on – equality, opportunity and respect.

Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected,” the WTA had said on Sunday. 

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“Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done,” WTA’s chairman Steve Simon said. 

Peng, who under #MeToo, had accused Zhang on social media said that the two had an on-off relationship lasting several years. The Weibo post appeared to have been deleted, AFP reports.