Following tennis star Peng Shuai's disappearance, China blacks out CNN

Robert Besser
25 Nov 2021, 11:39 GMT+10

China is blocking CNN's coverage of the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai, according to network officials
Peng Shuai accused China's former vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, of sexual assault in a now-deleted Weibo post from 2nd November
Additionally, the head of the Women's Tennis Association has called for an investigation into Peng's allegations, stressing that no one had been able to contact Peng since her social media post

BEIJING, China: China is blocking CNN's coverage of the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai, according to network officials.

Peng Shuai accused China's former vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, of sexual assault in a now-deleted Weibo post from 2nd November.

On Thursday, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper said on air, "China is once again blocking CNN's signal to prevent further reporting on the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai. Every time CNN covers this story, the Chinese government blocks CNN's signal there."

CNN anchor Erin Burnett said on her show, "Out Front," on Thursday, a Chinese government spokesperson said Peng's case was "not a diplomatic issue."

"Although we understand that as I speak about this, CNN goes to black in China because they don't want it broadcast," she said.

Also, all mention of Peng's name and related topics have been removed from Chinese websites and social media platforms, since her accusations.

A letter allegedly from Peng was published by Chinese state media, which stated, "The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true. I am not missing, nor I am unsafe."

However, Insider's Barnaby Lane reported that the letter has met with skepticism and has increased fears for her safety.

Additionally, the head of the Women's Tennis Association has called for an investigation into Peng's allegations, stressing that no one had been able to contact Peng since her social media post.

The incident is not China's first attempt at blocking CNN. In December 2019, CNN's broadcast was blocked when it covered events in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Paris Guardian.

More Information

22 ℃

null in Paris-Montsouris

International

Section

Would a new Cold War be in the best interest of the United States?

As China unleashed live-fire military exercises off the coast of Taiwan, simulating a real "reunification by force" operation in the ...

Myanmar deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi to serve six additional years in prison

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar - According to a legal official, a court in Myanmar has sentenced former leader Aung San Suu Kyi ...

China, Nepal to build rail, communications network across Himalayas

BEIJING, China: Following a meeting between their foreign ministers, China and Nepal have agreed to build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity ...

Heatwave continues in China as temperatures exceed 40C

BEIJING, China: Several regions in China experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, including the major southwestern city of Chongqing.The country's ...

California seeks $1.4 billion to keep nuclear plant open

SACRAMENTO, California: California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing to give a $1.4 billion government loan to extend the life of ...

With Covid cases increasing, India's New Delhi continues mask mandate

NEW DELHI, India: A government order released to reporters this week said New Delhi will continue to enforce a mask ...

Business

Section