The White House weighed in on missing Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai as fellow players, including Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, voice concerns about her whereabouts after accusing China’s former vice premier of sexual assault.
The United States will stand up for free speech, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Peng, two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has not been seen since she made the allegations against the top Chinese Communist Party official on Nov. 2 via social media.
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“We know the [People’s Republic of China] has zero tolerance for criticism and a record of silencing those that speak out,” Psaki said Friday. “We continue to condemn those practices.”
Peng’s Weibo post was taken down and China’s state-controlled media has not reported on her disappearance, with censors blocking internet searches of her name and the word “tennis.” Tennis authorities, such as the Women’s Tennis Association, are calling for an investigation into Peng’s claims and well-being. Peng sent an email walking back her story and insisting she is OK, but critics have questioned its authenticity.
Psaki’s press briefing awkwardly coincided with a Kenosha, Wisconsin, jury finding teenager Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all counts in his homicide trial. Psaki told reporters to expect a White House statement, adding aides had been in “close touch” with law enforcement and that President Joe Biden “will continue to encourage” peaceful protests in response.
“Let me talk to the president and let me talk to my team,” she said when asked for a comment.
Psaki also reflected on Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first woman in history to be transferred presidential powers under the 25th Amendment on Friday while Biden was under anesthesia during a colonoscopy. Harris stepped into her boss’s role for 85 minutes.
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“I think that will be noted for many women, young girls across the country,” Psaki said.
