Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Peng Liyuan: Singer, First Lady and Diplomatic Presence in China
Peng Liyuan is the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
She was already famous in China before her husband became president because she was a popular singer.
She learned Chinese folk singing and joined the People’s Liberation Army’s music band.
Peng and Xi married in 1987 and have one daughter.
During Xi’s visit to Washington, Peng met Donald and Melania Trump.
She was also expected to visit a museum with Melania Trump and attend a state dinner.
Peng has represented causes involving tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, girls’ education, and women’s empowerment.
She is one of China’s most visible public figures and has important unofficial diplomatic roles.
Peng Liyuan accompanied Xi Jinping on his three-day state visit to Washington.
She was scheduled to meet Melania Trump and attend the White House state dinner on September 24.
Born in Shandong in 1962, Peng became a renowned folk singer and performer in the People’s Liberation Army.
Peng married Xi Jinping in 1987, and they have a daughter, Xi Mingze, born in 1992.
She has served as a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador and a UNESCO envoy for girls’ and women’s education.
- Who
- Peng Liyuan, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s wife, accompanied him; she was also scheduled to meet Melania Trump.
- What
- Peng took part in diplomatic engagements during Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington.
- When
- During Xi’s three-day visit, including a state dinner scheduled for September 24.
- Where
- Washington, including Joint Base Andrews, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and the White House.
- Why
- To accompany Xi Jinping and participate in cultural and diplomatic activities as China’s First Lady.
- Birth
- 1962, Shandong province
- Marriage
- Married Xi Jinping in 1987
- Child
- Daughter Xi Mingze, born in 1992
- Military career
- Joined the People’s Liberation Army in 1980 and performed with its music band
- International role
- World Health Organization goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS since 2011
- Education advocacy
- Appointed by UNESCO in 2014 as Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls’ and Women’s Education
- Washington engagement
- Scheduled to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art with Melania Trump and attend a White House state dinner