China Model in Hong Kong Might Be Seeking Asylum
HONG KONG — One of China’s top fashion models has been reported missing from a Hong Kong hotel, fueling speculation she is seeking political asylum in the British colony, a Hong Kong newspaper said today.
The Chinese-language Sing Tao Wen Pao said Zhu Bei, 22, disappeared with all her luggage from her hotel room just before she was due to return to China on Monday.
The evening paper said Zhu had been seen around town on the arm of a prominent Hong Kong television actor during her nine-day visit to the colony to take part in a fashion promotion.
It said rumors were circulating that Zhu, who came here with 12 other models from China, had defected.
“We have no information about the reports and we do not comment on individual applications for asylum,” a government spokesman said.
Sino-Hong Kong relations are only just recovering from a furor caused when Hong Kong allowed a Chinese swimmer, Yang Yang, to leave the colony for the United States last October.
Yang claimed asylum in Hong Kong on the grounds he had played a part in the pro-democracy movement that rocked China in May and June and that he faced punishment if he returned.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
