IOC holds second video call with Peng Shuai... "Will meet in person next month"

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is having a video call with Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who was rumored missing, on the 21st of last month (local time). (Photo by International Olympic Committee)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on the 2nd (local time) that it had a second video call with Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who had been the subject of disappearance rumors.

In a statement posted on its website that day, the IOC said, "The IOC team had a video call with Peng Shuai yesterday," adding, "We are maintaining regular contact with her and have agreed to meet next month."

The IOC explained, "Like many others who are concerned, we are worried about Peng Shuai's well-being and safety," and added, "The IOC is also directly discussing these concerns with Chinese sports organizations."

It also stated, "We are conducting 'quiet diplomacy,'" and said, "This is the most promising way to effectively advance humanitarian issues."

Peng Shuai disappeared after posting on Weibo on the 2nd of last month, alleging that former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli sexually assaulted her and forced an inappropriate relationship for years, sparking disappearance rumors.

However, the rumors subsided after IOC President Thomas Bach released a photo of a video call with Peng Shuai on the 21st of last month, confirming her safety, and Peng Shuai herself appeared at a public event.