Peng Liyuan Conducts Soft-Power Diplomacy in Washington

First Lady Peng Liyuan conducted a series of soft-power diplomatic engagements in Washington during President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States. Her activities included meeting with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, with whom she conversed in English without the use of a translator.

On September 24, Peng attended a performance of the Chinese folk song "Jasmine Flower" by a youth choir at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. During the event, she encouraged American teenagers to study Chinese language and culture to serve as envoys of friendship between the two nations.

These spontaneous cultural exchanges occurred against a backdrop of strategic tensions involving trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that these interactions served to bring the hearts of the two peoples closer. Despite the intent to project a more approachable image of China abroad, discussions regarding Peng's visit and her fashion choices remain heavily restricted on Chinese social media platforms such as Red Note.