China's First Lady Peng Liyuan shows off her soft diplomacy skills with her fashionable style

China's First Lady Peng Liyuan leaves Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace) after her visit, in Rome, Italy, on March 22, 2019. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent European tour was no doubt a successful one to promote China's Belt and Road Initiative - an ambitious plan to create modern ground and naval trade routes along the lines of the historic Silk Road.

The wardrobe of his wife, Ms Peng Liyuan, perhaps contributed to China's soft diplomacy arsenal as she paid subtle tributes to host countries.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.