Journalist says WTA coerces Peng Shuai by suspending tournaments in China

The editor of the Chinese newspaper Global Times accused the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) of "coercing" tennis star Peng Shuai into "supporting the West's attack" on China by suspending tournaments in the country until it is convinced of its well-being.

Known for his combative tweets, Hu Xijin is an outspoken critic of the scandal involving Peng and her accusation of sexual assault against a former vice premier, although China maintains its silence and authorities block debates on the topic on the Chinese Internet.

Last Wednesday (1) , the WTA announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China citing concerns for the well-being of Peng, formerly number one in the doubles world, and the safety of other players.

“The WTA is coercing Peng Shuai to support the West's attack on the Chinese system. They are depriving Peng Shuai of freedom of expression, demanding that his description of his current situation meet their expectations,” said Hu on his official Twitter account in a publication that quoted the WTA's announcement.

The entity did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Hu's Twitter post, which is blocked in China.

Peng's whereabouts have become a matter of international concern because of a public absence of nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media in early November alleging that former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli sexually assaulted her.

Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the Chinese government comment on Peng's claim.

* Additional reporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai and the Shanghai newsroom.

Text translated using artificial intelligence.