A woman believed to be from China slashed her wrist in front of the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday in a bid for asylum.

State news agency Bernama said the woman, with blood dripping from her hand, surprised a queue of people lining up outside the main gate of the embassy to apply for visas to the United States at about 10:30am.

"We were shocked and wanted to help her, but she stopped in front of the gate and slashed her wrist three times with more blood oozing out," said witness Mohan, who wanted to be identified only by his first name, Bernama reported.

He said embassy security personnel and the small crowd then tried to help the woman who tried to wave them away, but she was eventually subdued and taken away by ambulance.

District police chief Amir Hashim told Bernama the woman, believed to be a Chinese national, was trying to gain political asylum but did not give any other details.

US embassy officials could not be reached for comment.