(Xi's U.S. Visit) Xinhua Insight: Chinese first lady shines in U.S.

"President Xi, I believe we are both accustomed to being outshone by our dynamic spouses."

When U.S. President Barack Obama said humorously to visiting Chinese President Xi jinping during the welcoming ceremony at the White House on Friday, murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Standing alongside the fashion-savvy and energetic U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, Peng Liyuan, in her own elegant and demure style, was not a bit outdone by her American counterpart.

While accompanying her husband on his first state visit to the U.S. since taking office, China's first lady Peng personifies the women of new China: Aside from her outstanding sense of style and charisma, she is also an active philanthropist who has gained recognition for a number of charitable roles spanning public health and education.

CHINESE FASHION STYLE

Peng, a well-known opera and folk singer, has been constantly praised by the media. Her "public persona has not disappointed in providing a spark of personality to China's image abroad," wrote an article of International Business Times in the U.S.

This time, she again demonstrated the graceful style that has won her a reputation as a fashion icon.

At Friday's state dinner at the White House, Peng was dressed in a delicate aquamarine silk gown with intricate beadwork on its bodice and skirt. Her outfit combined Chinese designs with a modern clean cut; her signature style.

At the state dinner, President Xi's pocket handkerchief complemented Peng's gown, a subtle, but endearing, style choice that crops up time and time again. On many other occasions, Xi's ties have complemented his wife's attire, and when the Chinese first couple arrived in Seattle, the first leg of their visit to the U.S. last Tuesday, Peng wore a two-piece skirt suit with blue embroidery, Xi a blue tie.

The matching is seen by observers as a public display of affection, and an example of traditional Chinese family values that underscores harmony in marriage.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES

While Xi stresses the significant role of people-to-people exchanges in China-U.S. ties, Peng has established herself as his ardent supporter by promoting people-to-people engagements.

Last Wednesday, Peng toured the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a leading American research institution in Seattle. As a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and an ambassador for the prevention of tobacco control, Peng was deeply interested in the center's cutting-edge HIV and cancer research.

Peng referred to George Bernard Shaw in a call for closer bilateral cooperation in health care.

"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas," Peng was cited as saying on the Fred Hutch website.

"The visit by Madame Peng shows how innovative partnerships between the U.S. and China represent a great hope for the world in ending HIV and other devastating diseases," Kristi Heim, executive director for Washington State China Relations Council, told the Fred Hutch News Service.

Two days later, Peng and Michelle Obama visited the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. to jointly name a panda cub. Upon arrival, the two first ladies were greeted by kids from the Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, who performed Chinese songs and dances.

The panda baby was named "Bei Bei", which means "precious, treasure" in Chinese.

Peng called the panda an "emotional link" between the two peoples. "I'm really glad to learn that it is so popular and adored here in America. I believe it will bring more fun and friendship to the people of both countries, especially our kids," she added.

On Monday, Peng visited the Juilliard School in New York, one of the world's pre-eminent conservatories, which hopes to build a school in Tianjin that would offer a master's degree program. She offered personal tips and demonstrated singing techniques to a performing student, winning applause.

On the same day, she revisited Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where she played the lead role in the Chinese opera Mulan Psalm in 2005.

"Madame Peng's return to Lincoln Center as first lady, a decade after she performed here as an artist, is testament to her enduring conviction that the performing arts and cultural exchange are vital bridges between peoples," Katherine Farley, chair of Lincoln Center, said to the Broadway World.

CHAMPION OF CHILDREN, WOMEN, HANDICAPPED

Renowned for her warmth with children and the disabled, Peng is often affectionately referred to as "Peng Mama" in China. In addition to her charitable roles involving AIDS, she was appointed in April 2014 special envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the Advancement of Girls and Women's Education.

On Saturday, Peng delivered a speech in English at the UN's Global Education First Initiative meeting in New York. She first recalled how her father opened a night school in their small village, where many were illiterate.

"As his daughter, I know what education means to people, especially those without it," Peng said with deep emotion. She said she, herself, was a beneficiary of China's progress in education. "Otherwise, I would never have become a soprano and professor of music."

She also shared with the audience that China's Spring Bud Education Program has helped over 3 million girls go back to school -- many of whom went on to university and are doing well in their careers.

Peng vowed commitment to education for all, "as UNESCO special envoy and a mother myself." She said her Chinese Dream, a catchphrase propagated by her husband, was that "all children, especially girls, can have access to good education."

"A powerful and graceful first lady in action to improve the status of woman," Internet user Albert Tan commented on Facebook.

"Peng's speech added a human touch to Xi's pledge of $10 million at a conference he co-costed this week on women's rights, on top of a $2 billion gift to developing nations," wrote The Christian Science Monitor.

On Sunday, Peng unveiled a commemorative sheet of stamps at the UN dedicated to China's handicapped population.

"It is the responsibility of the entire society to guarantee equality, respect and care for every handicapped person, and we need to work together to help them realize their dreams and lead a decent, colorful and successful life," she said. Endit