That Chen Lili, a Chinese transsexual would like to compete for the qualifier Final held in Sichuan Region for Miss World in the region of China the news has aroused great attention in society. Zhang Ruiling, Director of Organizing Committee for the Miss World Competition at Sichuan Region said Feb 23 that after contacting with the headquarters of the Miss World competition, the Committee had approved Chen's request to take part in the qualifier competition.

It is reported that Chen is the first transsexual to compete for the Miss World in the world.

She wishes to win the championship and will treat the fair competition seriously no matter how the outcome whatsoever, said Chen.

Personal reference of Chen Lili:

Cheng Yongjun (the name used by Chen Lili before he changed sex) was born in Feb 1980 in a peasant family at Yilong Country, Nanchong City of Sichuan Province. Chen enjoyed decking out like a girl in his childhood. Chen received a transsexual surgery in Qingdao in November 2003. On 11 February 2004, she received her ID card, which justified her female identity, from the Public Security Bureau of Nanchong.

(People's Daily February 25, 2004)