The suspicious death of a Chinese international student has grabbed a global audience. It's also something that likely will lead investigators to look to China for answers. Friends of Iowa State University student Tong Shao, 20, reported her missing Sept. 17. They knew she was visiting a friend in Iowa City, whom Iowa City police identified on Monday as Xiangnan Li. Police said Monday that they believe Li, 23, has returned to China and that they consider him as a person of interest in the case. Police have told Chinese government authorities about the missing persons case and are using federal resources, Iowa City Police Sgt.