Qu's lightning pace first caught the eye of many at the 2000 AFC Youth Championship where he scored four goals for his country. After playing in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship, he would quickly catch the attention of Bora Milutinovic who included him into the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad where he preferred to place Qu at the wing so he can get the best out of the young prospect's pace. Since his initial rise to the national team, Qu has had difficulty in retaining his position as a consistent member of the team. He was not selected for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup squad and was forced out with injury in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup squad. He was however brought back to the national team for several qualifying games and worked his way back into the side.