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eddie_gibbonon Some experts suggest Omicron variant may have evolved in an animal host

What is VAAS? Google does not up anything related.

eddie_gibbonon Steve Simon announces WTA’s decision to suspend tournaments in China

Have they made a determined and good faith attempt to do so? Sending out emails and social media call outs isn't that serious of an effort. Can't WTA afford to send somebody to China and see for themselves? Have they made an attempt at that?

WTA seems to be looking for reasons to burn bridges, rather.

Point is WTA needs to make abundantly clear the steps they have taken of their own accord to address their concerns rather than focusing mostly on casting aspersions.

eddie_gibbonon Steve Simon announces WTA’s decision to suspend tournaments in China

The thing is WTA is claiming to speak at the behest of someone with whom they don't have direct contact. In certain aspects what WTA is doing is crossing boundaries of fair behaviour. Imagine if it was a similar allegation made by an American player, would the WTA would go guns blazing if they didn't have direct communication with the individual.

Where there is a need for circumspection, and for nuance , WTA has jumped into the fray speaking of absolutes.

Has WTA made good faith attempts like despatching its delegates to China and understand first hand the situation?

Frankly if you examine the available details, WTA only has a flimsy argument.

And also imagine what could happen next. It could be very much possible for the Chinese to organise a video call for example with Boris Johnson, in which Peng will castigate WTA for invading her privacy, and not respecting her need to stay away from public gaze, etc..

If so then what will WTA do?

eddie_gibbonon Steve Simon announces WTA’s decision to suspend tournaments in China

In this matter, I see very little nuance and perspicacity from WTA when dealing with people of a different culture both politically and otherwise.

In general WTA setting out terms to nation state is a very absurd situation. If the situation was reversed, American government would care zero bit to appear accountable to any foreign or international organisation.

But what is surprising is how WTAs take on this matter is taken as is without necessary skepticism. It is rather clear that WTA don't have first hand information on the subject to take a considered judgement.