Zhu made his international debut on 11 October 2006 in a 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification game against Palestine in a 2–0 victory and would soon be included into the Chinese squad for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. He was eligible to play for the 2008 Summer Olympics squad where he started the final group game of the tournament. He returned to the national team in 2008 when he participated in several matches during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.