News Analysis China’s top doubles tennis player Peng Shuai publicly accused former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in a social media post on Nov. 2. China’s internet police deleted her post about 20 minutes later, long enough for the news to make headlines worldwide. Peng alleged that Zhang coerced her into having sex with him about ten years ago and that she later became Zhang’s mistress. She also alleged that Zhang’s wife colluded with him to invite Peng into his residence, and when Zhang assaulted Peng, his wife stood guard outside the room. Peng is one of China’s most celebrated athletes. She is 35 years old, while Zhang is 75. During a regular press conference by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 3, foreign media asked questions about Peng Shuai’s allegation. The ministry’s spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded that he never heard of it, and that it’s “not …