The annual Miss Chinese International Pageant, held by Hong Kong television station TVB, will be opened on January 29th in Hong Kong.

Twenty-two beauties from all over the world were on the first group to meet the press on Monday, and a 'live lot', or 'draw the straws,' ceremony was held to pick the order of the candidates.
   
Miss Bangkok and Miss Kuala Lumpur also received special gifts from other candidates at the press conference, which show their heartfelt sympathy to the tsunami victims.
   
This year's Champion of Miss Hong Kong Pageant, Xu Zishan, will represent Hong Kong to vie for an award at the event.

(CRI January 12, 2005)