Jang Gaori Silent for a Month
"Typical Communist Party-Style Response"
[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, accused of sexual assault by Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, has disappeared in silence.
Major foreign media reported on the 25th that "the last time former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli appeared in public was on July 1 this year at the 100th anniversary event of the founding of the Communist Party."
Zhang, who retired in 2018, served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China from 2012 to 2017 and was a top-level politician ranked within the top 7 in China's political hierarchy. The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau is the highest group of the Communist Party, of which President Xi Jinping is also a member.
Peng Shuai, who once ranked world No. 1 in women's doubles tennis, revealed on Chinese social media Weibo on the 2nd that she had been sexually assaulted by former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. However, the post was deleted within 20 minutes, and Peng Shuai went missing for several weeks, raising concerns in the international community.
The mysterious disappearance of former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli is explained as a typical way the Chinese Communist Party handles controversies. He has remained silent for nearly a month since Peng Shuai's revelation. Foreign media explained, "From past offshore tax evasion cases like the 'Panama Papers' to rumors of illegitimate children, the Communist Party's way of responding to controversies is consistent," adding, "Even when disciplining public officials for sexual scandals, announcements are usually made after investigations."
Professor Alfred Wu of the National University of Singapore analyzed, "Giving former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli an opportunity to speak ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics could damage China's reputation," and added, "Even if the Communist Party internally decides on disciplinary action, it will likely be after the storm (caused by Peng Shuai's revelation) has passed."
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had a video call with Peng Shuai, has also been criticized as an accomplice to the Chinese government's human rights violations. IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed her safety through a video call with Peng Shuai on the 21st.
Human Rights Watch in the United States pointed out that IOC President Bach did not clearly state whether he asked Peng Shuai about legal assistance or her intention to file a sexual assault complaint during the video call, suggesting that "the IOC likely underwent prior approval and censorship by Chinese authorities." They also raised their voice, saying, "The IOC is solely focused on smoothly hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics, regardless of the sacrifices people have to make."
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