First lady adds charming edge to diplomacy

Peng has enjoyed a glittering career as a folker singer. [Photo/Xinhua]

In another short film released in 2012, Together Forever, Peng called for an end to discrimination against children affected with HIV and AIDS and vowed to carry on her work for as long as it takes, "no matter whether it's 10 years, 20 years, or 30 years from now".

"Peng is very well known to the public and is much respected," Zhang said. "The fact that she has been extending her care to the children will raise more awareness and bring more help to them."

Yang Xiyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, added: "Her work presents to the world the efforts that China is making in children's welfare and charity. It delivers a more concrete image than what is shown in government reports or declarations."

So-called first lady diplomacy originated in the West, but China has seen a series of successful diplomatic activities involving its first lady since President Xi took office, he said.

By accompanying her husband on his first state visit to the US as president, Peng would help improve China's image, disperse biased stereotypes that the American people may hold, and increase understanding of the country, he added.