"Conversing with Melania Without an Interpreter?"... Even China Surprised by Xi Jinping's Wife's English Skills

Seen Conversing Without an Interpreter

2015 UN English Speech Video Resurfaces

The English skills of Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who accompanied him on his state visit to the United States, have drawn attention after she appeared to converse with Melania Trump, wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, without the aid of an interpreter.

On the 23rd, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greeted Mrs. Melania Trump at the Andrews Joint Base in Maryland, USA. Photo by AP News

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 24th (local time), Peng Liyuan's direct conversation with Melania Trump has become a hot topic on Chinese online platforms.

President Trump and First Lady Melania welcomed President Xi and Peng Liyuan on the 23rd (local time) at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Immediately after disembarking from the plane, the two couples initially conversed with the help of interpreters.

However, while walking along the red carpet, Peng Liyuan and Melania Trump were seen conversing behind the two leaders without an interpreter. The two continued smiling and talking to each other until they reached the area designated for the welcome ceremony photo session.

According to a report by a U.S. media outlet, professional lip reader Nicola Hickling analyzed that Peng Liyuan seemed to be inquiring about Barron, President Trump’s youngest son and Melania’s only child. Peng Liyuan’s gesture of raising her hand toward her forehead was interpreted as indicating Barron’s height.

Even after the national anthems of both countries were played, the two continued to converse briefly. Peng Liyuan was seen seemingly saying “wonderful.” The moment of them appearing to converse without an interpreter lasted about one minute. However, based solely on video footage, it is impossible to verify the actual content of the conversation or Peng Liyuan’s level of English fluency.

The White House announced that after the state welcome ceremony, the two would visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. Later that evening, both couples are scheduled to attend the state banquet together.

Peng Liyuan is a renowned soprano who was once a member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. She has performed overseas to promote Chinese music and culture, and since President Xi took office in 2013, she has accompanied him on several overseas trips and participated in public service activities. Compared to spouses of previous Chinese leaders, Peng Liyuan is considered highly active in international engagements, and among Chinese netizens, she is affectionately called “Peng Mama,” with “Mama” meaning “mother.”

On the 24th (local time), Peng Liyuan, wife of the Chinese President, and Melania Trump, wife of U.S. President Donald Trump, visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC, USA. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

This is not the first time Peng Liyuan has spoken English in public. In 2015, she delivered an English speech on girls’ education and gender equality at a United Nations event in New York. At the time, Peng Liyuan said, “It is important for girls to go to school, because one day they will become their own children’s first teachers.” Following the recent meeting, the video of this speech has begun circulating online again.

Chinese online users have commented, “The video is from 2015, and Peng Liyuan likely has an English teacher, so her English skills must have improved since then.” Others noted that her thoughtful and polite manner—looking back and smiling to start a conversation while waiting for Melania Trump—was especially impressive.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.