During a recent visit to China, the French president and his wife drew attention to a female bodyguard assigned by the Chinese government, who has been dubbed the country’s “most beautiful bodyguard”. - Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Reuters
BEIJING: A female bodyguard, assigned by the Chinese government to protect the French first lady during her official visit with her husband to China in early December, went viral on social media for her tough and professional demeanour.
Known by her pseudonym, Yan Yuexia is referred to by Chinese internet users as “the most beautiful bodyguard,” although her appearance is one of many strengths, as reported by the news portal The Paper.
While Brigitte Macron took part in public events in Beijing and Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in southwestern China, Yan was captured on film remaining highly alert at all times, her eyes scanning the environment for any potential threats, the report stated.
Yan first gained online attention while serving Asma al-Assad, the wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, during her visit to China in September 2023. Internet users were drawn to Yan’s expressionless and focused demeanour as she accompanied the first lady.
While Asma al-Assad mingled with a crowd of students and reporters at a university in Beijing, Yan stayed close, using her arms to shield her from anyone attempting to approach the VIP.
Yan’s story has garnered significant admiration and interest among Chinese netizens, who praise both her professionalism and striking appearance. - Photo: Weibo
In February, Yan was dispatched to protect Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the then prime minister of Thailand, during her visit to China.
While Shinawatra watched an ice hockey competition in Harbin, in northeastern China, media cameras captured Yan sitting near her, with her neck veins visibly bulging – a testament to her vigilance.
At the conclusion of the visit, Shinawatra briefly talked with Yan, nodding in appreciation for her work.
Shinawatra also shared a video on social media expressing heartfelt gratitude to Yan for her “thoughtful care and protection,” stating that she hoped to see her again at future events.
Due to the nature of her profession, little personal information about Yan has been made public.
It is widely believed that she was born Xu Jin in Luoyang, a city in central Henan province, into a family with a martial arts tradition. Her age remains unclear.
Yan began learning martial arts at the age of six and was sent by her parents to receive professional kung fu training at the legendary Shaolin Temple.
In 2015, she was selected as an elite bodyguard in the Central Guard Bureau, part of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Her responsibilities include serving both Chinese leaders and their foreign counterparts during visits to China.
“A qualified bodyguard is not meant to be a celebrity, but to identify any risks in advance,” a security veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Paper.
While Brigitte Macron, left, attended public events in Beijing and Chengdu, Yan, middle, was captured on film maintaining an alert demeanour, her eyes continually scanning the surroundings for potential threats. - Photo: Weibo
Yan has never took part in a media interview. However, mainland Chinese internet users discovered that in August 2020, as a delegate for the foreign leaders’ bodyguard squad at the MPS, she received an honourable award from the central government.
Yan’s story has sparked a wave of admiration among Chinese netizens.
“She is a rose with thorns,” one online observer remarked.
“She is more powerful than any female agent in films,” another praised.
A third commenter quipped: “I would willingly be apprehended by her, haha!” - South China Morning Post
