China’s first lady Peng Liyuan projects glamour and soft power on world stage

China’s first lady Peng Liyuan is again stepping into the international limelight as she travels to Washington with President Xi Jinping this week.

Xi and Peng were invited to visit the White House by Donald Trump in May, when the US leader was in Beijing.

They are expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, local time, to begin their three-day visit. On Thursday, Xi and Peng will be welcomed at the White House with a State Floor arrival ceremony and a Rose Garden military review.

Following the official reception, Peng will visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art with Trump’s wife Melania, while the two presidents hold talks. They will all gather that evening for a state dinner.