Peng Liyuan's diplomatic charm shines during Xi's US visit

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, served as a diplomatic asset during his Washington visit, projecting a softer image of China amid ongoing US-China tensions over trade and Taiwan. She conversed with US first lady Melania Trump in English without a translator and sang along with a youth choir at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, where children performed "Jasmine Flower" and called her "Mother Peng." Ambassador Xie Feng highlighted her role on X, noting she encouraged American teens to study Chinese and become friendship envoys. Geopolitics analyst Joe Mazur said she helps humanize China's hard-nosed diplomacy and creates positive moments in bilateral relations, complementing Xi's official agenda.