First Lady Peng Liyuan and former First Lady Melania Trump shared a warm encounter upon Peng’s arrival in Washington, renewing a connection that dates back to the early days of Donald Trump’s presidency. The two women greeted each other with smiles at Joint Base Andrews, where Peng arrived alongside President Xi Jinping for an official visit.

As they walked together behind their husbands along the red carpet during the welcoming ceremony, Peng appeared to comment on the height of the honor guard. Later, the two exchanged brief, inaudible remarks, with Peng mouthing the word “wonderful.” Their interaction was marked by a friendly tone but remained private.

Peng and Melania’s acquaintance dates to April 2017, when the Trumps invited Xi and Peng to the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. During the same year, Melania Trump visited Beijing with her husband, and she and Peng toured a primary school together, observing classroom activities and a student cultural performance. Melania previously described Peng and Xi as “gracious hosts” and appreciated the personal conversations shared during those visits.

On this occasion, Melania Trump wore a dark two-piece suit paired with a white blouse, while Peng chose a pale grey-blue dress complemented by a light scarf.

Following the arrival ceremony, Xi and Trump engaged in several conversations through interpreters. Afterward, the Chinese delegation departed the base in a Hongqi luxury car.

The two first ladies were scheduled to continue their visit with a joint tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. In the evening, they planned to attend a state dinner hosted by the Trumps and Xis, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the visit.