Zhao Wei Young Chinese Star

Stage, screen and video star Zhao Wei, is fueling a mounting debate as she is slated to promote an anti-Japanese online game. The debate reflects the strained ties between the two Asian giants who have witnessed their relations hit the lowest point in decades

Zhao made her name by her tomboy performance style on the Huan Zhu Ge Ge, TV series adapted from the works of the popular Taiwanese romance novelist Chiung Yao. However, a photo taken for Fashion magazine in 2001 in which she is shown wearing clothes printed with the Japanese flag sparked nation wide criticism that painted Zhao as trumpeting Japanese militarism. Tensions eased after Zhao made a public apology stating in her letter of apology that she hadn't intended to cause offence and she would pay more attention to her behaviour and speech. Her agent defended Zhao saying she is only a model and has no control over what she is asked to wear.

It has been almost six years in china since the Fashion magazine incident occurred but it does not seem to have been forgotten.She is not qualified to be the representative of a patriotic online game. Her behavior has posed great detriments to Chinese people's feelings," commented an anonymous netizen on CRIonline.com.

Zhao's move has raised speculation that she wants to eliminate the impact of the incident and repair her reputation, but it seems that she has a long way to go.

Previous reports say she was to promote a patriotic online game on the eve of the anniversary named Guo Wei.

[ Source :from chinadaily.com ]