The Role of the First Lady in Public Diplomacy since the Founding of the Republic of China

Abstract

Governments around the world attach great importance to first lady diplomacy since it is a crucial form of public diplomacy. When first ladies are now playing an increasingly prominent role in diplomacy, a relevant study in China is yet to be conducted. Therefore this paper aims to analyze the role of the first lady in Chinas public diplomacy based on historical facts. Politics and gender equality were once the two major factors hindering the development of first lady diplomacy in the early days of the Peoples Republic of China until Mrs. Wang Guangmei won a good reputation for China with her demeanor and competence during her debut on the international stage in 1963. Her visit not only contributed to Chinas breakthrough in ideology but also brought a wisp of freshness to her compatriots, who were then living a hard life. First lady diplomacy in China embraced its new era upon Mrs. Peng Liyuans first overseas visit in 2013, during which Mrs. Peng gave full play to the great influence of the first lady: not only was she an aspiring promoter of Chinese brands and culture, but also an active participant in public welfare. Her musical background, in the meantime, adds to the shaping of Chinas national image in a gentle way.