Zuo Shusheng would make his debut against South Korea on December 29, 1978 in an Asian Cup qualifier which China lost 1–0. Despite the defeat he would still be included in the squad that took part in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup and while the tournament saw China play disappointingly Zuo Shusheng would nevertheless start to become an integral member of the Chinese team. By the time of the 1984 AFC Asian Cup arrived Zuo Shusheng would now captain the team to a runners up position, however he retired from international football in 1985 after China lost a crucial 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification game against Hong Kong.