Last Updated:
Peng Liyuan’s apparent English exchange with Melania Trump drew attention during Xi Jinping’s US visit, highlighting her growing role in China’s cultural and diplomatic outreach.
Trump and Melania with Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan at the White House. (Photo: Reuters)
China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan has drawn attention during President Xi Jinping’s US visit after she appeared to speak directly in English with US First Lady Melania Trump without an interpreter.
The exchange took place at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, where US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump welcomed Xi and Peng ahead of the Chinese president’s state visit. The two couples initially interacted with the help of interpreters, but Peng and Melania later appeared to converse directly while walking behind the two presidents.
The conversation was not audible, making it impossible to independently establish exactly what was discussed. A professional lip-reader quoted in US media suggested that Peng may have asked about Barron Trump and gestured towards his height. That interpretation is based on lip-reading and has not been independently confirmed.
Peng And Melania Meet Again At Smithsonian Museum
Peng’s public engagements during Xi’s Washington visit went beyond the welcome ceremony.
On Thursday, she joined Melania for a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington. A youth choir performed the Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower during the visit, with Peng applauding the performance. Reuters also reported that the children addressed her as “mother Peng”.
China’s ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, highlighted the visit on social media, saying Peng encouraged American teenagers to continue learning Chinese language and culture and described them as potential “envoys of friendship” between China and the US.
Why Peng Liyuan’s Role Is Drawing Attention
Peng’s appearances alongside Melania have added a cultural and personal dimension to a visit otherwise dominated by high-level discussions between Washington and Beijing.
Reuters described Peng’s role as part of China’s soft-power outreach, with her public engagements presenting a more approachable image of the country during a period of disagreements between the US and China over issues including trade and Taiwan.
Her appearance also stands out because Peng has maintained a relatively visible public role compared with many previous wives of Chinese leaders.
From Soprano To China’s First Lady
Before becoming internationally known as Xi Jinping’s wife, Peng was already a prominent figure in China as a soprano who performed with the Chinese military.
She has subsequently used her public profile to promote Chinese music and culture and has accompanied Xi on several overseas trips. Her work has also included international initiatives related to education and public health.
In 2014, UNESCO appointed Peng as its Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls’ and Women’s Education, recognising her advocacy around girls’ and women’s education.
Her role during Xi’s current Washington visit therefore extends beyond ceremonial appearances, combining cultural engagement and public diplomacy at a time when the US-China relationship remains closely watched.
Quick Answers
Ask News18China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan conversed directly in English with US First Lady Melania Trump without an interpreter at Joint Base Andrews. They later visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, where a youth choir performed the Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower.
Ask News18About the Author
Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
September 25, 2026, 10:27 pm IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
