First she was gone, now she’s being passed around.
The world hadn’t heard from Peng Shuai (36) for weeks, fearing the worst. The Chinese ex-tennis player (two Grand Slam titles in doubles) published a post on the China network Weibo in November in which she accused former Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli (75) of sexual abuse.
It was not until the end of November that there were isolated signs of life from her, all obviously controlled by China. All not particularly convincing.
Now, at the Olympics in Beijing, the next attempt by the state propaganda apparatus. First she watched curling on Saturday. Then on Monday she gave a strange interview to the French newspaper L’Equipe. Visits to figure skating on Monday and to the women’s Big Air final on Tuesday followed.
She followed the triumph of the native American Eileen Gu (18), who is now starting for China, in the stands next to IOC boss Thomas Bach (68).
Photographers made sure Peng and Bach’s every move was documented. Exactly what the Chinese rulers want.
Bach had already let himself be harnessed by the Chinese in November when he said after a video call with the Chinese that she was fine. During the Olympics, the two had also met for dinner.
Bach right in the middle of the Chinese propaganda show!
After the visit to the Big Air, Peng Shuai wants to leave the corona bubble of the games again. Bach could not say on Tuesday whether she would like to watch more competitions in the course of the Olympics.
BILD knows: The IOC is celebrating the fact that it was possible to ensure the safety of the ex-tennis player, at least during the games.
But that is not enough! Because how free Peng Shuai really is only becomes apparent when she is allowed to travel to a free country – without a minder.
Bach invited her to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne/Switzerland. She accepted the invitation. If it really comes, that would be a very, very important step.