Screenshot of the statement released by the Xintai city's government on December 16, 2024.

In response to an online speculation about a girl in Tai'an, East China's Shandong Province, being sexually assaulted, Xintai city immediately established a joint investigation team. Upon investigation, it was found that the girl met a 17-year-old male teenager, surnamed Li, on the internet in May 2024 and developed a romantic relationship, which later led to sexual relations, according to a statement released on Xintai city's government website on Monday.

It was circulated online on Thursday said that a 12-year-old girl was hospitalized for pelvic inflammation and had contracted HPV, with a sexual history of six months, according to the Paper, a Shanghai-based media.

Currently, the 17-year-old male teenager has been placed under criminal forceful measures with investigation being carried out on related responsible personnel, who will be dealt with in accordance with law and regulations, according to the statement. The girl is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological counseling, the statement said. 

Previously, some netizens had revealed that a girl had sought medical treatment in a local hospital in June for treatment of vaginitis, but no doctor reported the case to the police. In December, she returned to the hospital for treatment of pelvic inflammation and tested positive for HPV, the Paper reported.

Since the case involves minors, the statement urged the public not to disseminate private information.

Global Times