China says ‘not aware’ of tennis player Peng Shuai issue

BEIJING (AP) — China’s Foreign Ministry is sticking to its line that it isn’t aware of the controversy surrounding tennis professional Peng Shuai, who disappeared after accusing a former top official of sexually assaulting her. A ministry spokesperson said Friday that the matter was not a diplomatic question and that he was not aware of the situation. Peng is a former top-ranked player in women’s doubles who won Wimbledon in 2013 and the French Open in 2014. In a since-deleted social media post, Peng accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of assaulting her three years ago. The International Olympic Committee says quiet diplomacy offers the best opportunity for a solution.