Xi Jinping on Diplomatic Trip with Wife Peng Liyuan Who Catches China’s Eye

Even as China’s President Xi Jinping was leaving Moscow for Africa, his country was looking very closely at his wife, the glamorous Peng Liyuan. China has never had a First Lady like her. She is a folk singer and a very popular performer on state television. She also holds a rank of Major General in the People’s Lberation Army.

Low profile is the norm

She has tried to maintain a low-profile since 2007, when her husband was considered as the most probable successor to the Presidency. This is in keeping with the perceived role of China’s First Lady. This low-key attitude of wives of high government officials stemmed from the damage that was done by the so-called Gang of Four, which was led by Chairman Mao Zedongs’ wife, Jiang Qing. She was widely reviled for her role starting with the Cultural Revolution of 1966. Her influence and power continued until 1976 when she was tried and convicted.

Peng Liyuan, a personality in her own right

Peng is Xi’s second wife. She is much younger than him. She exudes confidence that can only be honed through years of performing onstage in front of a large audience. They have a daughter who is also keeping away from the limelight while studying at Harvard. Xi’s first wife was the daughter of a Chinese ambassador to the United Kingdom. The marriage lasted three years and they did not have any children.

Peng started singing with the Peoples Liberation Army when she was 18. As a performer, Peng was more popular than her husband, as she performed on television, sometimes in elaborate costumes, or in her Major General uniform, and sometims in traditional attire. During the Sichuan earthquake of 2008, she performed in the earthquake hit areas. Her daughter, Xi Mingze also helped in the relief efforts, which was practically unheard of for child of a high party official. Aside from being a singer, Peng is also an goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization. Part of her job is to urge nations to taking action to prevent Tuberculosis and HIV.

A change in style

Chinese viewers were impressed with what she wore in the Russian state visit. The ensemble was elegant, and there was a surge in sales for clothing which looked like the ones she wore. Taobao, a popular Chinese online store started selling a coat advertised as being of the same style as the First Lady’s for 499 yuan ($80).

Although Pres. Xi had called for austerity measures, Peng’s choice of clothes, coat, and handbag was considered a refreshing change from the style of prior wives of Chinese heads of state. In contrast to Xi’s predecessor, Hu Jintao, Xi is presenting himself with confidence, and much of it comes from his wife. Peng’s level of confidence rubs off on her husband. Hu’s wife, Lu Yongqing, was rarely seen in public. She did not accompany Hu to the United States during his state visit. Hu’s predecessor, Jian Zemin also had the same attitude. His wife, Wang Yeping, shunned the limelight. The two prior first ladies also wore conservative outfits, and haircuts.

The Chinese President and First Lady continue their official trip with a visit to Tanzania. They will continue to South Africa and then to the Congo.