IOC remains silent on Peng Shuai situation opting instead for ‘quiet diplomacy’

The International Olympic Committee is one organisation that will not involve themselves with the disappearance of Peng Shuai at this time.

Since 2nd November, the Chinese doubles star has not been seen publicly. On that day, Peng Shuai posted accusations of sexual assault against former vice premier Zhang Gaoli on her Weibo account.

Censors deleted the allegations within 30 minutes of their posting, with Shuai missing since.

The WTA and ATP are among groups that have voiced concern and demanded answers from Chinese officials on the safety and whereabouts of Peng Shuai.

However, the IOC is a notable exception. Instead, an email statemtn from them reads as follows.

“Experience shows that quiet diplomacy offers the best opportunity to find a solution for questions of such nature.

“This explains why the IOC will not comment any further at this stage.”

The statement comes as the organisation gears up for the next Olympiad, the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February 2022.

After a letter was released that was reported to be from Shuai herself, concerns for her safety only grew.

“The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe,” WTA CEO Steve Simon said in response to the letter.

“I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communication, to no avail.”

The hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai has grown quickly on social media, particularly Twitter, with many tennis pros and other top athletes leading the way.

Four-time Slam champion Naomi Osaka joined the voices, as well as former world number one Andy Murray and 23-time Major winner Serena Williams.

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