[ad_1]
The State Department said it stands with women Tennis Society takes over Beijing Peng Shuai, China ‘s best tennis player, disappeared for weeks after publicly convicting a sexually retired Chinese official of sexual exploitation.
The WTA the 1st of December moved to stop all matches In mainland China and Hong Kong, there were endless concerns about Peng, making it the first sports organization to challenge the Chinese Communist regime on human rights. As China is WTA’s largest market, the suspension could potentially cost the organization hundreds of millions of broadcasts and sponsorships.
“We thank the WTA for its decision-in-principle,” a State Department spokesman told The Epoch Times.
“U.S. companies working in China are helping to reshape the relationship between the U.S. and China, and we think it’s important that they retain the ability to speak out for human rights, including freedom of speech,” the spokesman said.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli, accused by Peng, or the Chinese authorities have not publicly commented on his allegations of sexual violence.
Peng was not seen for nearly three weeks after he made his accusations on his social media account confirmed in a quickly deleted message. After the global turmoil in the tennis world, Peng appeared in the series video material published in the Chinese state media and later a video call With the International Olympic Committee, after which the IOC mentioned Peng said he was “safe and well.”
CGTN, the Chinese state broadcaster in English, also accused by email Screenshot for Peng, who denied his claim and said “everything is fine.”
“We are closely following the situation in Peng Shuai. We have not seen or heard anything that would allay our concerns about his well-being,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the United States would continue to support efforts to seek responsibility for sexual violence and defend freedom of expression – “especially in light of the Chinese People’s Republic of China’s zero-tolerance criticism and loud silence records.”
It is unclear whether other major sports leagues will follow the WTA’s example and give up their winning streak in China.
Inside something opinion The day after the WTA’s announcement, the Federation of Tennis Professionals said it was still seriously concerned about Peng’s situation and called for “open direct communication between the player and the WTA,” but made it clear that it would not cancel events.
“We know that sport can have a positive impact on society and we generally believe that a global presence gives us the best opportunities to create opportunities and make an impact,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, President of ATP.
The IOC, which has described its efforts as a “campaign for silent diplomacy,” said on December 2 that it had a second call with Peng. The IOC said it “provided extensive support” to Peng and arranged a face-to-face meeting in January.
“There are different ways to achieve her well-being and security,” he said opinion read and added that they have “taken a very humane and person-centered approach to his situation.”
The statement does not directly mention Peng’s allegations of sexual violence, but described it only as a “project situation in which he is”. The IOC also did not publish a video or transcript of the call or provide details of its organization.
Follow
Eva Fu is a New York-based author for The Epoch Times that focuses on U.S.-China relations, religious freedom, and human rights.
|
Sources 2/ https://m.theepochtimes.com/us-backs-womens-tennis-association-in-boycotting-china-over-peng-shuai_4139249.html The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
[ad_2]