HONG KONG : Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi's relationship with Israeli billionaire Vivi Nevo is stable and things between the couple "are normal", said her manager, denying rumours that the pair have split.

This statement comes after the 30-year-old was spotted without her engagement ring during an interview last month, prompting the media to speculate about their relationship.

Vivi had disclosed in July last year that he intended to wed Zhang in 2009 and confirmed that their engagement took place in March. However, he revealed last month that the wedding had been postponed.

Rumours like the uneven distribution of Vivi's property, his dislike for Zhang wanting a lavish wedding followed by his subsequent decision to delay the ceremony and remain single, indicated that things were perhaps, not so rosy between the couple.

In an interview with ifeng.com last month, Zhang related her first experience producing a movie - romantic comedy "Sophie's Revenge" - and how she had not relied on her partner for help. She also mentioned the need for women to be independent and not to rely solely on men for everything or to "be led by the nose" by them.

Despite Zhang's need for independence, she admits that a phone call from her partner asking her to rest early when she is working late still touches her heart.

- CNA/nc