Chinese authorities have hit back at the WTA after the women's tennis tour suspended all events in the country in support of tennis player Peng Shuai:
This article contains references to sexual assault.
Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin did not directly mention the WTA on Thursday but pointedly said that China "opposes the politicisation of sports".In an editorial, the Global Times newspaper, published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, said the WTA was betraying the Olympic spirit and bringing politics into tennis.
Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the government have commented on Peng's accusation and the topic has been blocked on China's heavily-censored internet. She appeared to be "safe and well, given the difficult situation she is in", it added in its statement on Thursday.Where is Zhang Gaoli? Chinese politician accused by tennis star Peng Shuai keeps out of sight
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