(New York, NY) — Today Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chairman Steve Simon suspended tournaments in China over inability to communicate with tennis star Peng Shuai.

“We are heartened by this show of principle by the WTA and its President, Steve Simon. The contrast between the WTA’s show of spine and the International Olympic Committee’s readiness to play along with the Beijing government’s campaign to deflect questions and blame is striking,” said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel.