Wives joining leaders on overseas trips introduces China to 'lady diplomacy'
First it was the president's glamorous spouse, and now Cheng Hong has joined husband Li Keqiang on the world stage
China's leaders arguably agree with late chairman Mao Zedong's famous observation that "women hold up half the sky". But the nation has rarely produced a female diplomatic leader like Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice or Hillary Rodham Clinton.
However, Beijing seems to be embracing Mao's credo by welcoming "wife diplomacy" and "first-lady diplomacy".
Peng Liyuan, the glamorous wife of President Xi Jinping, dazzled many during the couple's diplomatic tours to Europe and the United States, and during the visit of US first lady Michelle Obama in March.
Last week, the public caught a glimpse of the scholar wife of Li Keqiang, Cheng Hong, during the premier's four-nation visit to Africa. They are visiting Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya - key political and trade hubs.
Cheng's debut on the political scene has stirred media coverage and publicity just as intense as Peng's did.
While Peng earned praise for her elegant fashion sense and keen interest in charity campaigns, state media this time emphasised Cheng's humble personality, clean image and impressive academic achievements.