China ‘not aware of situation’ around tennis player Peng Shuai

The ministry has consistently disavowed knowledge of the issue since it broke as a major global story earlier this week

Peng Shuai (AP)

China’s Foreign Ministry has said it was not aware of the controversy surrounding tennis professional Peng Shuai, who disappeared after accusing a former top official of sexually abusing her.

Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters that the matter was “not a diplomatic question and I’m not aware of the situation”.