US ‘deeply concerned’ by missing Chinese tennis star

(FILES) This file photo taken on January 13, 2019 shows China’s Peng Shuai serving the ball during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. – The boss of women’s tennis has cast doubt on November 18, 2021 on an email posted on China’s media purportedly from tennis player Peng Shuai, saying it “only raises my concerns as to her safety.” (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

(AFP) — The United States is “deeply concerned” about Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who went missing after making sexual assault allegations against a top Communist Party official, the White House said Friday.

Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden’s administration wants China to “provide independent, verifiable proof” of her whereabouts.

The US call came as international concern mounts for the tennis star, missing since alleging earlier this month that she was sexually exploited by a former vice-premier of China.

The United Nations on Friday insisted on a fully transparent investigation into the claims made by Peng, formerly the world’s top-ranked doubles player, against Communist Party grandee Zhang Gaoli.

Tennis stars, sports bodies and governments and human rights defenders have also spoken up for Peng, 35, and demanded information.

The head of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said he was prepared to cut lucrative business ties with China if Peng remains unaccounted for and her sexual assault allegations are not probed.

Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka have also voiced their concerns for one of China’s greatest ever players.