- Tennis star Peng Shuai disappeared after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault.
- State-run media has shared photos and videos that claim to show Shuai currently safe.
- But a top tennis official said "this video alone is insufficient" proof that Shuai is safe and free.
Videos of missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai were shared by an editor of a state-run newspaper on Saturday, but they did not settle concerns over Shuai's whereabouts and safety.
Shuai, 35, vanished after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault in a post on the Chinese social media site Weibo on November 2, sparking an international outcry and demands for an investigation.
Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Global Times, an English-language newspaper published by China's ruling Communist Party, shared videos on Twitter that claimed to show Shuai on Saturday.
However, the time and date the clips were taken could not be confirmed and they appeared to be staged to give the impression they were taken Saturday, according to The New York Times.
"I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant. The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time," Xijin wrote alongside the first clip.
—Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
—Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
In the first clip a man, described as Peng's coach, asks "Isn't tomorrow November 20?" according to The Times. Another woman then responds that tomorrow is November 21, after which the man repeats the date multiple times.
The second clip appears to show a woman in a mask, presumably Shuai, exiting a restaurant, pausing to show a sign that marks the restaurant's last cleaning, according to The Times. However, the sign only shows the month, while the day is not clear.
On Friday, another Chinese state-run media company shared photos of Shuai, who appeared to be smiling at home. Xijin retweeted the photos and said he "confirmed" they showed Shuai in her "current state."
—Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
Steve Simon, CEO of the Women's Tennis Association, said in a statement that the video clips do not confirm Shuai is free or safe.
"I am glad to see the videos released by China state-run media that appear to show Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing. While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient," he said.
"As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai's health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads," he continued.
The WTA called for an investigation into Shuai's sexual assault accusations on November 14, adding that they had not been able to get in touch with her. On November 19 the WTA also threatened to pull out of events in China if there was not an investigation into her claims and disappearance.
The White House on Friday called for "verifiable proof" of Shuai's whereabouts and safety. The United Nations have called for proof as well.