China's first lady Peng Liyuan visits the National Children's Hospital of Costa Rica, accompanied by Emilce Miranda, mother of Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, in San Jose, June 3, 2013. (Photo/Xinhua)
Separate activities in education and charity
Usually, the couple divides their work during a visit, Chen said. The first lady often takes part in events related to children, education and charity to promote development in the fields and build a friendly national image for China.
On Wednesday, Peng focused her attention on the global-health problems of HIV infection and tobacco use during a tour to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
Last September, Peng visited Tagore International School in New Delhi. She also met children with AIDS during a visit to the Republic of Congo in 2013. She was accompanied by the first lady of the country visited at such events.
Peng also tries to promote China-made products during visits. In 2013, at the Women's Development Foundation in Tanzania, she presented China-made skin care products to the hosts, causing a buying craze for the brand among local customers.
"Women often have a gentler image", said Lu. "They play an important role in livening up the otherwise serious atmosphere during state visits".
