China's First Lady Peng Liyuan is a staunch supporter of the country's anti-AIDS advocacy. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese President Xi Jinping, together with First Lady Peng Liyuan, visited Florida to hold discussions with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.
On Thursday, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump hosted her first official event for the couple--a dinner at the Mar-a-Lago, a CNN article reported.
For the special gathering, Trump opted to go for "tasteful glamor" as she offered "traditional Caesar salad with homemade focaccia croutons, a choice of either pan-seared Dover sole with Champagne sauce or dry-aged prime New York strip steak, and chocolate cake with vanilla sauce for dessert."
While their husbands meet for political talks, the two first ladies also got the spotlight. As for America's Melania Trump, here's a quick rundown of what she should learn about Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan.
Madam Peng has always been present right by her husband during gatherings since he was elected to the top post back in 2013. But prior to her stint as China's first lady, she was a renowned Chinese folk singer who has performed all over her country. She also holds a master's degree in music.
Peng's talent has previously gotten recognition when she, at 18, enlisted in the People's Liberation Army. A huge part of her military service was spent in singing patriotic hymns for the Chinese troops, significantly boosting their sense of nationalism for the country.
Apart from her vocal chops, Peng, now at 54, is touted as "China's very own fashionista," esteemed for her clever mix of traditional and chic clothing styles. During the dinner, she was dressed in a floral-themed ensemble with a mandarin collar, completing her suit with a velvet scarf folder on her left arm.
With her heart for the music and the arts, she also rose to prominence as "a humanitarian and a champion of culture." Besides culture-related causes, she also advocates for women's and girls' education, poor-alleviating projects and anti-smoking campaigns.
Peng is also an ambassador for the World Health Organization. In 2014, she lent her voice to sing the theme song of a short film tackling HIV/AIDS and discrimination.
On a lighter note, Peng is also known for her moniker, "The Peony Fairy." The nickname was inspired by the abundance of peonies in her hometown in the province of Shandong.
This September, the first lady will be celebrating 30 years of marriage with Xi. The Chinese leader and Peng, who is his second wife, have only one daughter. Twenty-four-year-old Xi Mingze, a Harvard University alumna, is a rarity in the public eye.
