The IOC Needs to Start Making Some Very Strong Threats to China, and Back Them Up

IOC Cannot Provide ‘Absolute Certainty’ On Peng Shuai Situation | The Daily Wire

Now, the IOC appears to be walking back their previous statements on Peng’s situation.

“We can’t provide you with absolute certainty on anything,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said according to ESPN. “All we can do is do the best we can in the process that we believe is in the best interests of the well-being of the athlete.”

Adams’ comment came on Tuesday at the IOC’s first press conference since the Women’s Tennis Association suspended all tournaments in China — including in Hong Kong — last week. The committee has been subject to criticism regarding their handling of Peng’s situation, with Human Rights Watch accusing the IOC of “collaboration with Chinese authorities on tennis star Peng Shuai’s reappearance.”

I expect more from the IOC. Well, no, I don’t, really. They’ve failed too many times in the past to have high expectations. But the world expects and deserves better.

Despite the Crap We’ve Put Them Through, the UK Is Still Our Best Ally

BoJo: UK honchos a no-go to Beijing Olympics – HotAir

The diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics picked up speed overnight as three US allies joined Joe Biden. Boris Johnson became the latest to join, announcing a few minutes ago that the UK would not send any ministers to the Olympiad in protest of China’s genocidal policies. That would be “effectively” the same as the US diplomatic boycott, Johnson said:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says no U.K. government minister will attend the Beijing Winter Olympics, calling it “effectively” a diplomatic boycott.

China’s annoyed. Good. Let them try to kick us out completely.

The IOC really should just move the event. They won’t. But they should.

Peng Appears Again?

IOC Holds Second Video Call With Chinese Tennis Star Peng Shuai: ‘Appeared To Be Safe And Well’ | The Daily Wire

“I was relieved to see that Peng Shuai was doing fine, which was our main concern. She appeared to be relaxed. I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated,” said Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

While the video call seemed to be enough at the time for the IOC, many other organizations have called for more evidence, including the European Union.

“The EU joins growing international demands, including by sport professionals, for assurances that she is free and not under threat,” the EU said in a November statement. “In this spirit, the EU requests the Chinese government to provide verifiable proof of Peng Shuai’s safety, well-being and whereabouts. The EU urges the Chinese authorities to conduct a full, fair and transparent investigation into her allegations of sexual assault.”

Remember, there’s a reason for her disappearance.

Peng’s safety has been a concern since her November 2 social media post in which she accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her three years ago following a round of tennis. She also said Zhang’s wife guarded the door. Her post was deleted nearly 30 minutes after publication and Peng’s account on Weibo — a Chinese social media platform — was blocked from searchers on the platform.

Until she’s back out on tour, I don’t think anyone will believe China on this.