I think that thesis is strengthened by the fact that Peng's public statements following this whole story have consistently been to deny that she made an allegation of sexual assault. Also given that Western media has a habit for "accidentally" fucking up translations in a way that for some reason always seems to paint America's enemies in the worst possible light.
What even happened with her accusation? Was the official kicked out of the party?
there wasn't even an accusation
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2021/11/new-york-times-invents-sexual-assault-case-to-blame-china.html
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I think that thesis is strengthened by the fact that Peng's public statements following this whole story have consistently been to deny that she made an allegation of sexual assault. Also given that Western media has a habit for "accidentally" fucking up translations in a way that for some reason always seems to paint America's enemies in the worst possible light.