Crowned, Then Dethroned: Miss Universe China Xinying Zhu Loses Title Due to Age Eligibility Issues

Crowned, Then Dethroned: Miss Universe China Xinying Zhu Loses Title Due to Age Eligibility Issues

Xinying Zhu, who was originally crowned Miss Universe China 2024, has been officially stripped of her title following revelations that she did not meet the age requirements set by the pageant. The Miss Universe China Organization confirmed the decision in a public statement released on Thursday.

> “Due to age restrictions, our original winner Xinying Zhu, who was crowned last December, could not fulfill her duties as our Chinese queen,” the organization announced via Instagram.

At the time of her crowning in December 2024, Zhu was only 18 years old and a student specializing in flight attendant training at Suzhou Aviation College. According to Miss Universe regulations, participants must meet minimum age criteria, which Zhu did not fulfill at the time of her win.

As a result, the 2024 Miss Universe China title has now been officially awarded to the first runner-up, Zhao Na, who will go on to represent China in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.

> “Zhao Na is a renowned fashion model known for her sophisticated sense of style. She has graced runways for some of the world’s top fashion designers,” the organization shared, expressing full confidence in her upcoming reign.

The Miss Universe China Organization had previously stirred conversation by organizing two national competitions in 2024 — one in July and another in December. The July winner advanced to Miss Universe 2024, while the December winner, initially Zhu, was meant to compete in Miss Universe 2025.

With this new development, Zhao Na will now take center stage as China’s official representative on the international pageant platform in 2025.