Peng Shuai, the former number one doubles player in the world who was reported missing after the revelation of a relationship with a powerful former Chinese Communist Party official, has reappeared on social networks. Four photos in which he shows himself smiling but which for now have not stopped the pressure on Beijing to be given certainty of his fate.
In the shots the champion, who had accused the former official - 40 years older than her - of sexual violence, is portrayed with a cat in her arms in what appears to be her home, in the background are visible soft toys, a trophy, a Chinese flag and accreditations. Another snapshot shows a selfie of Peng Shuai with a Kung Fu Panda figurine, an animated film for children.
The Twitter account @shen_shiwei is labeled by the social network as "media affiliated with the Chinese state".
Hu Xijin, editor of the Global Times, wrote that he had "confirmation through my sources that these photos are indeed the current state" of Peng, who has disappeared since November 2. "In the past few days, she has stayed at her house freely and did not want to be disturbed. She will show up in public and soon participate in some activities," added Hu, whose claims are hard to verify, on the case that sparked a worldwide mobilization.
(Unioneonline / ss)
