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First lady steps into the spotlight on US visit
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AS a renowned singer, Peng Liyuan is used to the spotlight. As the first lady of China, she is stepping onto her biggest stage yet.
She’s played the role successfully so far, capturing the public’s attention on visits to more than 20 countries since her husband Xi Jinping began his presidency, with her warm and friendly manner leaving a lasting impression.
Peng was seen joining classes and bringing gifts for sick children as she visited schools and hospitals in Moscow, San Jose, Mexico City and other places.
“I came to see you on behalf of tens of thousands of Chinese mothers. Children are the future of humanity. I hope you grow up in good health and happiness, and become useful members of society,” she told a group of children at a boarding school in Moscow.
The first couple’s love also endears their image. People are quick to notice they often wear matching scarves and ties, seen by observers as a public display of affection.
A music video “Xi Dada loves Peng Mama,” created by previously unknown artists, shot to 20 million clicks in just five days after it was posted online.
But it’s not just abroad that Peng has made an impact.
She regularly invites foreign guests to the Beijing opera, takes them on tours of historical places of interest and encourages them to participate in China’s culture.
She worked with individual Indian children teaching them calligraphy, showed Australian students how to make paper-cuts, and gave them panda toys as gifts. She encouraged them to learn Chinese and go to China one day to see a real panda.
When US first lady Michelle Obama visited Beijing last year, she joined Peng for a calligraphy class at a local school.
“Cultural and educational exchanges are very important to strengthen the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and US People and promote the development of bilateral relations,” Peng told the US first lady.
A native of Shandong Province, Peng has made remarkable achievements through years of hard work and learning.
She was the first person in China to obtain a master’s degree in national vocal music. She won several top awards at national vocal contests, and has represented China when performing in more than 50 countries and regions. She produced and played the leading role in the Chinese national opera Mulan, which was performed at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and at the Vienna State Opera House in Austria.
Now, as president of the People’s Liberation Army Academy of Art, she is shifting her focus from performance to education.
“My hope for the Chinese dream is that all children, especially girls, can be well educated, like all of you,” Peng told German high school students during a visit in 2014.
Peng has been dedicated to public welfare for years. She is a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, a national AIDS prevention advocate, and an ambassador for the prevention of juvenile delinquency and tobacco control.
Since becoming first lady, she has continued to contribute to public welfare.
In April 2014, Peng was appointed special envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the promotion of girls and women’s education. Peng is sworn to do everything in her power to help girls and women attain a better education.
In 2013, Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The US visit is another stage on which Peng will shine.
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