China's first lady Peng Liyuan turns soft power on US audience
FXI•Peng Liyuan joined Chinese President Xi Jinping on his Washington visit, engaging with US first lady Melania Trump and meeting a youth choir. A Chinese diplomat said she encouraged American teenagers to study Chinese language and culture.
1. Diplomatic role
During Xi Jinping's Washington trip, Peng chatted with Melania Trump in English without a translator and attended a youth choir performance at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. A Chinese ambassador said she encouraged American teenagers to study Chinese language and culture and become envoys of friendship between the countries.
2. A public profile
Peng was previously known in China as a soprano singer for the military. Chinese first ladies have traditionally kept low profiles, and social media discussion of Peng's activities and fashion during the trip remained limited.
