A political adviser known for expressing her patriotism and opposition to emigration has become a citizen of a foreign country, her colleague confirmed on Monday.

Zhang Lan, 54, chairwoman of the South Beauty restaurant chain and a member of the Beijing Chaoyang District Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emigrated overseas two months ago, a senior manager at the company said.

Her reason for emigrating was to make the company's brand more international - although it remains unclear which country she went to - said the manager, who declined to give his name.