What did Beijing do to Peng?

The whereabouts of Peng became a matter of international concern for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media alleging that China's former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

The WTA on Wednesday announced the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China citing concerns about the well-being of Peng, 35, a Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion, and the safety of other players.

On Nov 21, IOC president Thomas Bach had a 30-minute video call with Peng - a three-times Olympian who supporters say may be under political duress - during which she told him she was safe and with family and friends.

But Simon, who said the decision to suspend tournaments in China had the full support of the WTA board of directors, is not convinced all is well with Peng.

~~~~~~~~~

China on Thursday (Dec 2) struck back at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for politicising sport after the organization said it would suspend events in the country over concerns for Chinese player Peng Shuai's safety.

"We are firmly opposed to acts politicizing sport," Beijing foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a brief comment to reporters when asked about the WTA boycott (Reuters).

In the authoritarian state, anything that questions the political bosses is "politicization."