Title:  A resolution demanding that the Communist Party of China prove that Peng Shuai is free from censorship, coercion, and intimidation and fully investigate the sexual assault allegations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution applauds the actions of the Women's Tennis Association to
The resolution condemns the International Olympic Committee for cooperating in the CPC's suppression of Peng.
The resolution condemns the CPC's violation of Peng's basic human rights to freedom of speech and movement.
Finally, the resolution demands that the CPC

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 474 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 474

 Demanding that the Communist Party of China prove that Peng Shuai is 
free from censorship, coercion, and intimidation and fully investigate 
the sexual assault allegations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            December 8, 2021

 Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Braun, 
Mr. Hawley, and Mr. Cruz) submitted the following resolution; which was 
             referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Demanding that the Communist Party of China prove that Peng Shuai is 
free from censorship, coercion, and intimidation and fully investigate 
the sexual assault allegations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

Whereas, as a decorated professional tennis player, a 3-time Olympian, and the 
        number 1 doubles player in 2014 as ranked by the Women's Tennis 
        Association, Peng Shuai is one of the most recognizable athletes from 
        the People's Republic of China;
Whereas, on November 2, 2021, Peng Shuai publicly accused former Vice Premier of 
        the People's Republic of China Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault;
Whereas Peng Shuai was immediately censored by the Communist Party of China and 
        physically removed from public view;
Whereas searches for Peng Shuai were blocked on social media platforms 
        accessible from the People's Republic of China;
Whereas, for more than 2 weeks, the international athletic community, led by the 
        Women's Tennis Association, demanded that the Communist Party of China 
        reveal the location and health status of Peng Shuai and fully 
        investigate the allegations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli;
Whereas the state media of the People's Republic of China released an email 
        allegedly from Peng Shuai to the Women's Tennis Association in which 
        Peng Shuai withdrew her allegations of sexual assault and claimed she 
        was not missing;
Whereas the President of the Women's Tennis Association Steve Simon stated that 
        the email raised more concerns as to the safety and whereabouts of Peng 
        Shuai;
Whereas, after immense international public outcry over the disappearance of 
        Peng Shuai, Peng Shuai re-emerged at various structured public events in 
        the People's Republic of China and participated in staged video calls 
        with the International Olympic Committee;
Whereas, on December 1, 2021, the Women's Tennis Association announced that it 
        would halt all tournaments in the People's Republic of China, including 
        Hong Kong, because the Association is not satisfied that Peng Shuai is 
        safe;
Whereas Simon stated that the Women's Tennis Association would willingly cut off 
        one of its largest business partners until the health and safety of Peng 
        Shuai was clarified, despite knowing the decision could cost the Women's 
        Tennis Association hundreds of millions of dollars in future revenue;
Whereas Simon stated, ``Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to 
        cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to 
        speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the 
        allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair and transparent manner. 
        Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very 
        serious issue in any credible way. While we now know where Peng is, I 
        have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to 
        censorship, coercion and intimidation.'';
Whereas the International Olympic Committee will host the 2022 Winter Olympic 
        Games in Beijing, People's Republic of China;
Whereas the actions of the Communist Party of China in silencing Peng Shuai call 
        into question the safety of other athletes competing in the 2022 Winter 
        Olympic Games; and
Whereas the actions against Peng Shuai and other flagrant human rights abuses, 
        such as the genocide of predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, committed by the 
        Communist Party of China are inconsistent with Olympic values and the 
        integrity of sport: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) applauds the actions of the Women's Tennis 
        Association--
                    (A) to seek the security and safety of Peng Shuai; 
                and
                    (B) to hold the Communist Party of China 
                accountable for its authoritarian censorship of Peng 
                Shuai;
            (2) condemns the International Olympic Committee for 
        cooperating in the Communist Party of China's suppression of 
        Peng Shuai;
            (3) condemns the Communist Party of China's violation of 
        Peng Shuai's basic human rights to freedom of speech and 
        movement; and
            (4) demands that the Communist Party of China--
                    (A) prove that Peng Shuai is free from censorship, 
                coercion, and intimidation; and
                    (B) fully investigate Peng Shuai's sexual assault 
                allegation against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.
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