As a Chinese Interpol officer, Chun-Li relentlessly investigates the criminal organization Shadaloo. The murder of her father by Shadaloo's leader, M. Bison, fuels her pursuit of justice and vengeance. She seeks cooperation from U.S. military officer Guile, proposing a joint operation against Shadaloo, demonstrating her commitment to duty despite the deeply personal nature of her mission.

Her investigation uncovers Shadaloo's tactics: deploying brainwashed operatives and monitor cyborgs to track skilled fighters worldwide. Chun-Li personally alerts fighters such as Dee Jay to this surveillance threat. In retaliation, Bison dispatches his assassin Vega to eliminate her.

Vega ambushes Chun-Li in her apartment moments after she steps from the shower. Their encounter ignites a fierce duel that spills blood and wrecks the residence. Though sustaining severe injuries, Chun-Li triumphs, blasting Vega through the wall with her Hyakuretsukyaku technique, sending him plummeting to the street below. Critical blood loss from her wounds plunges her into a coma.

Guile transports her to a hospital for urgent care. She remains unconscious throughout her recovery as Guile continues their campaign against Shadaloo. She awakens only after Shadaloo's base is destroyed and the organization crumbles. Reuniting with Guile in the hospital, she playfully feigns injury before revealing her regained strength.

Her appearance integrates traditional elements: a blue qipao dress with gold accents, white combat boots, and her signature ox-horn hairstyle. Her fighting style leverages exceptional speed and specialized kicking techniques, including the multi-strike Lightning Legs (Hyakuretsukyaku) and the projectile Kikoken.

Beyond the depicted events, Chun-Li's history includes collaborating with allies like Charlie Nash to track Shadaloo during the Street Fighter Alpha period. She eventually retires from active combat to instruct children in martial arts while maintaining her police duties. She adopts a daughter rescued from Urien.