The Miss Universe China organization made the announcement 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 (due being underage),” the organization stated on Instagram.

At the time of her win in Dec. 2024, Zhu was 18 years old and a student majoring in flight attendant training at Suzhou Aviation College.

As a result, the 2024 Miss Universe China title and the right to represent China at Miss Universe 2025 have been awarded to the pageant’s original first runner-up, Zhao Na.

Zhao Na, the new 2024 Miss Universe China. Photo from Miss Universe China’s Instagram

“Zhao Na is a famous fashion model with an exquisite taste in fashion, and has walked the runway for famous international designers across the globe,” the Miss Universe China organization said in their statement, adding that they look forward to her reign.

Earlier, the Miss Universe China organization had made discussions by holding two competitions within the same year—one in July and another in Dec. 2024. The winner of the July competition earned the chance to compete in Miss Universe 2024, while the December winner was set to represent China in Miss Universe 2025.