Chinese government lauds campaign for Peng Shuai's safety 'maliciously hyping'

Peng Shuai's disappearance has made the news in the western world but China has not responded to the situation refusing to even acknowledge it so far.

But in the most direct response to the situation yet, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters that it has been 'maliciously hyped' and that this is being done deliberately.

The reason being given by the spokesperson is her being seen in public and on a video call which so far has done nothing to alleviate fears.

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WTA officials skeptical about recent Peng Shuai video call with IOC president

“I believe everyone will have seen she (Peng Shuai) has recently attended some public activities and also held a video call with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) president, [Thomas] Bach," he said.

“I think some people should stop deliberately and maliciously hyping [the issue] up, let alone politicise this issue.”