Miss Universe 2023 has regrettably announced a last-minute withdrawal from this year's pageant held in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

China's representative, Qi Jia, was unable to participate because she arrived late to the event and could not fulfil some protocol activities related to the organisation. However, she has been invited, although without the option of being the most beautiful woman in the world.

The reason for her late arrival in the Central American country was a visa delay. According to the Chinese candidacy and the organising committee, they requested all the paperwork when she was crowned Miss China, but the slowness caused her to land in El Salvador only three days before the big Miss Universe party and she missed most of the models' meetings.

The Chinese committee said they "actively prepared by requesting all the procedures".

She will get another attempt

The Asian country's organisers explained that "the Miss Universe competition areas will be held from 15 to 18 November. The organising committee and the champion, Ms Qi Jia, applied for visa procedures as soon as her coronation was announced and actively prepared for the world final".

However, "due to the delay in issuance, she flew to El Salvador as soon as the visa was granted and she lost more than a week of activities, making it impossible for her to compete in this year's international event".

The solution that has been found by the Miss Universe organisation has been for her to enter next year's beauty pageant, which will be held in Mexico.

The announcement of the Mexican candidacy was announced on Saturday, 18 November, with businessman Raul Rocha Cantu stating that: "I invite the world to get to know what will be a unique experience, enjoying Mexico through its gastronomy, culture, music and its enchanting and unforgettable tourist sites. Miss Universe, Mexico gives you a warm welcome."