Chinese state media have shared videos of missing tennis star Peng Shuai.
The tennis world is increasingly concerned for the Chinese athlete, who disappeared after claims she was sexually abused by the former vice president Zhang Gaoli.
Since then, nobody has been able to reach her and her fellow players and fans have called for answers.
The #WhereIsPengShuai hashtag has been one of the top trends on twitter for the last fortnight as fellow players and fans use their platforms to try and reach her.
However, the editor-in-chief from Chinese Media outlet Global Times, has provided a significant update on the 35-year-old.
Hu Xijin has posted a video showing the two-time grand slam doubles champion at a restaurant having dinner with her team.
Shaui, wearing a white jumper, appeared in good spirits as she conversed with her coach and friends.
The tweet read: “I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant.
“The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time.”
In response to the clip, the WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon has released a statement, still concerned for Shuai's whereabouts despite the positive signs in the clip.
It reads: "I am glad to see the videos released by China state-run media that appear to show Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing.
"While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient.
"As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”
Concerns for Shuai deepened when earlier this week CGTN Europe, China’s state-affiliated media network, posted a letter on Twitter which it claimed was sent from Peng to WTA chairman Steve Simon.
It read: “Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the WTA, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent.
“The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true. I’m not missing, nor I am unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you again for caring about me.”
The letter also asked that WTA verify any future statements with her and seek her consent before publishing.
However, Simon was unconvinced by the claims, especially when no one from the WTA was able to contact her directly to confirm the statements made in the letter were true.
"The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts.
“I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.
“Peng Shuai displayed incredible courage in describing an allegation of sexual assault against a former top official in the Chinese government. The WTA and the rest of the world need independent and verifiable proof that she is safe. I have repeatedly tried to reach her via numerous forms of communication, to no avail.
“Peng Shuai must be allowed to speak freely, without coercion or intimidation from any source. Her allegation of sexual assault must be respected, investigated with full transparency and without censorship.
“The voices of women need to be heard and respected, not censored nor dictated to.”
Earlier today, Wimbledon called for their former champion’s safety to be confirmed and revealed they are working behind the scenes to make contact with her.
Their statement read: “We are united with the rest of tennis in the need to understand that Peng Shuai is safe.
"We have been working in support of the WTA’s efforts to establish her safety through our relationships behind the scenes.
“Along with the global tennis community, we would like Peng Shuai to know that her wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us, and we will continue to work to gain clarity on her safety.”
