9:44 AM
The European Union wants China to release "verifiable proof" that tennis player Peng Shuai is safe and to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into her sexual assault allegations.
The former top-ranked doubles player dropped out of the public eye after accusing a former Communist Party official of sexual assault.
Since she disappeared from public view earlier this month, there have only been a few contacts with officials outside of China. In a video call from Beijing, she said she was fine.
Her recent public reappearance doesn't help her safety and freedom, an EU spokesman said.
The sexual assault allegation against a former member of the Communist Party's ruling Standing Committee was made by Peng. Within minutes, the tennis player's post was taken down.
The EU said in a statement that it joins growing international demands for assurances that she is free and not under threat. The EU wants the Chinese government to provide proof of Peng Shuai's safety, well-being and whereabouts. The EU wants the Chinese authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into her allegations.
A growing number of Chinese businesspeople, activists and ordinary people have disappeared from public view in recent years after speaking out against corruption or pro-democracy and labor rights campaigns.
The EU strongly opposed the use of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention and called on China to comply with its human rights obligations under national and international law.
