Hu Na

Immediate reactions of American and Chinese governments The U.S. government allowed her to remain while it considered her request. It delayed nearly eight months in making a decision. On the one hand, Hu Na had considerable sympathy from President Reagan's administration and from the U.S. public, but on the other hand, U.S. diplomats knew that to grant Hu Na asylum almost certainly would damage relations with China and possibly drive it closer to the Soviet Union.

The Chinese government suggested that the 19-year-old star was too young to have made such a decision independently, and it pointed out that her lawyer was being paid for by donations from Taiwan. It promised not to punish her if she returned home, and it implied that separating Hu from her family by keeping her in the United States would be cruel.

Granting of asylum The U.S. Department of State issued a memorandum supporting her asylum claim to the U.S. Department of Justice, which had the ultimate responsibility to make a decision. On April 5, 1983, the United States formally granted Hu Na political asylum.

The Chinese government was infuriated, stating that this constituted blatant U.S. intervention in its domestic affairs. It then announced it would sever all cultural and artistic ties between the two countries. A Voice of America radio broadcasting delegation visit to China, scheduled to take place just a few days later, was cancelled. U.S. diplomats in Beijing found themselves cut off from invitations and contacts with the Chinese government.

Long-term effects Conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation called Hu Na's defection a clear win for American foreign policy. Although Hu Na was likely of little concern to the Chinese, the incident was an embarrassment for the Chinese government and brought to light other bilateral points of contention. One contemporary article stated that the Chinese, through diplomatic channels, would not have complained as much if Hu Na had been granted some type of immigration status other than "political asylum".

Later life After receiving asylum. Hu Na played tennis for the United States. Her best Grand Slam result was a third-round finish at the 1985 Wimbledon. She retired from professional play in 1991 after sustaining injuries.

In 2011, Hu Na had a dream which she interpreted as a sign to start painting. She has established herself as a professional painter. She has produced over 400 paintings in six years. In November 2012, she showed her artwork in her first oil painting world tour. In 2017, Hu Na held the Hu Na Lotus Sutra Oil Painting Collection World Tour.

WTA Tour finals Doubles (1–2)