Zhu Ling was a chemistry student at Beijing’s Tsinghua University when she was poisoned with the highly toxic chemical thallium.
In late 1994, Zhu Ling began experiencing stomach pains and hair loss and she fell into a coma months later.
Doctors later diagnosed her with thallium poisoning, a soft metal which dissolves in water and is odourless and tasteless.
Zhu Ling’s family and supporters have suggested a possible motive was that Ms Sun was envious of her beauty and her musical and academic achievements.
The petition described Ms Sun’s family as having powerful political connections, and it was alleged she “had the motive, and access to the deadly chemical”.
The White House responded to the petition and said it declined to comment on the request, but said Zhu Ling’s poisoning “was a tragedy”.
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