Xi Jinping Hosts Family Lunch, But Where is the Hostess? Has Peng Liyuan Run into Trouble?

Xi Jinping appeared to walk with difficulty during his visit to France. (Video screenshot)

[People News] On June 4, after being absent for over ten days, Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping reappeared during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Chinese state media reported that Xi hosted Lukashenko in a 'family lunch' setting. Observers noted that at this 'family lunch,' where the hostess was expected to be present, Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, was notably absent.

BelTA reported that Lukashenko and Xi held a working meeting in a tea party format, followed by a one-on-one discussion between the two leaders. This was followed by a friendly lunch.

During their meeting at Zhongnanhai, Xi remarked, 'My office is right next door. This is my first time hosting you here.' Lukashenko replied, 'Your invitation to my home (Note: the meeting took place at Xi Jinping's official residence) emphasises this even more. I am very grateful to you, and of course, I will be waiting for you at my home.'

The term 'official residence' refers to the accommodations designated for government leaders and senior officials. It is widely known that Xi Jinping's residence, or 'home,' is located in Zhongnanhai.

According to reports from Chinese state media, only Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accompanied Xi during this meeting. Photos and videos released by state media indicate that Peng Liyuan was not present.

Analysts note that Xi Jinping hosted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at his home, but his wife, Peng Liyuan, did not accompany him. This is considered quite unusual, and even somewhat impolite, in China, a country known for its etiquette, unless there is a special reason for Peng Liyuan's absence.

Public records indicate that Peng Liyuan is a soprano singer, an opera performer, a national first-class actor, and the second wife of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. She holds a second-level military rank in the People's Liberation Army (equivalent to a senior military position), serves as the vice-chairperson of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and is recognised as an expert receiving special government allowances from the State Council. She is also a representative of contemporary national vocal music and one of the founders of the Chinese national vocal music school.

In recent years, Chinese state media have prominently reported on Peng Liyuan, fueling rumors that she may enter the highest echelons of power within the Communist Party.

In March of last year, Peng Liyuan visited Hunan to research grassroots tuberculosis prevention and control efforts, which garnered significant media attention from the National Health Commission of the Communist Party. Some commentators speculate that Peng Liyuan may pursue a political career, take on significant roles, and even become a figure akin to Jiang Qing.

From May 5 to 10 last year, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan were invited to undertake a state visit to France, Serbia, and Hungary. In this context, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted that the first lady's diplomacy was a key aspect of the visit, noting that Peng Liyuan's 'charm diplomacy has positively contributed to enhancing foreign public goodwill towards China and improving China's soft power.'

In May of last year, a photo of Peng Liyuan circulated on social media, with speculation that she was a "full-time member of the Central Military Commission's Cadre Evaluation Committee." This incident generated considerable controversy, as many believed that this role did not match her qualifications, leading to doubts about her ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.

In August, rumours surfaced that Peng Liyuan had been removed from the Cadre Evaluation Committee of the Military Commission, and the office of Zhong Shaojun, Xi Jinping's military secretary, was also disbanded.

Following the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July last year, the political dynamics in Zhongnanhai shifted. Amidst swirling rumors of Xi Jinping suffering a stroke, facing palace intrigue, and potential coups, there has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that Xi has lost military authority and his standing within the party has diminished.

Chen Pokong, a political commentator based in the United States, noted in a self-media program that after the Third Plenary Session in July last year, "as Xi Jinping's power declined, and at the request of political elders, the Communist Party reinstated the collective leadership system and term limits for leaders, thereby downplaying the role of the First Lady."

On May 7, Xi Jinping arrived in Russia for a visit, but Peng Liyuan was notably absent. Analysts speculate that she may have been kept in the country as a 'hostage.' By this time, rumours regarding Xi Jinping's loss of power had reached a significant intensity.

(This was first published by the People News)