China's First Lady claps hands with a child during the visit. Photo: Xinhua
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https://scmp.com/news/china/article/1252298/first-lady-peng-liyuan-drums-more-fans-winning-way-trinidad China
First lady Peng Liyuan drums up more fans with winning way in Trinidad
Trinidad and Tobago PM sings Peng Liyuan's praises after impromptu performance
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, plays a steel drum after watching an artistic show by local performers at the national performing arts centre in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Photo: Xinhua
First lady Peng Liyuan demonstrated her musical talent during her latest charm offensive - in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The famous singer and her husband, President Xi Jinping, were watching folk dancers and singers perform in their honour at the National Academy for the Performing Arts on Saturday night, People's Daily reports.
After a steel band played the patriotic Chinese songs In the Fields of Hope and My Wonderful Hometown, two of Peng's signature songs, the first lady walked over to the band and played along with them on one of their steel drums.
She told orchestra members their performances during a visit to China in the 1980s had wowed the audiences and they were welcome to come to China to perform again.
Before the concert, Peng visited a charity that assists children with intellectual disabilities and was photographed clapping hands with a child in a stroller.
Peng is one of China's most famous singers and holds the rank of major general in the People's Liberation Army.
Her Port of Spain performance was not the first time that the first lady has stolen the limelight on the international diplomatic stage with her musical talent.
During her first trip with Xi after he was elected president - to Russia - in March, Peng was reported to have performed a song with prestigious military troupe the Alexandrov Ensemble - but behind closed doors.
Russian media reports said Peng's performance with the ensemble's in-house choir of the Russian folk song Oh, the Snowball Tree is in Blossom was in Mandarin and Russian.
Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, described Peng as "beautiful and warm". She said Peng spoke with her in English.
Peng's visit was well received at home, with many internet users praising her gracious manner and musical talent.
"She shines at every visit and every appearance is a beautiful scenery," said one Sina micro blog, the Lone Investor. Another internet user said: "China is in the age of first lady diplomacy now."