CNN anchors claim China blacks out their coverage every time Peng Shuai's disappearance is mentioned

CNN anchors have revealed that China blocks the network's broadcast every time it covers the disappearance of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.

Shuai, a two-time doubles Grand Slam champion, accused retired Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in a since-deleted Weibo post on November 2. The 35-year old has not been seen in public or heard from since.

"China is once again blocking CNN's signal to prevent further reporting on the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai," said CNN anchor Anderson Cooper on air on Thursday.

"Every time CNN covers this story, the Chinese government blocks CNN's signal there."

Fellow CNN anchor Erin Burnett corroborated Cooper's story on Thursday, when she reported that a Chinese government spokesperson said Peng's case was "not a diplomatic issue" when asked about her whereabouts.

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

Chinese websites and social media platforms have scrubbed all mention of Peng's name and related topics since her accusation. China's internet often censors topics deemed unsavory to the government.