Love, Family And Distance: Xi Jinping And Wife Peng Liyuan's Life Beyond Power

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 13:36 IST

Married since 1987, the couple has spent more than three decades together, their relationship often described as one of mutual respect, affection, and steady support

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuang | File Image

Behind the formidable image of Chinese President Xi Jinping on the global stage lies a quieter, more personal story, one of an enduring relationship with his wife, celebrated soprano and First Lady Peng Liyuan.

Married since 1987, the couple has spent more than three decades together, their relationship often described as one of mutual respect, affection, and steady support.

Their wedding in September 1987 was far from extravagant. Instead of a traditional ceremony, the couple chose a simple dinner with close colleagues and friends.

“I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have our own careers, but we work together to build the family," Xi, then the Communist Party secretary in Zhejiang province, said in a 2004 television interview.

Though their demanding careers often kept them apart, the bond endured through small but meaningful gestures.

Xi once revealed that despite their busy schedules, he would call Peng daily.

“After being married for more than a decade, I call my wife by phone every day, although we don’t have much time to be together," he said.

‘Responsible Husband’

Peng, for her part, has publicly described Xi as a “responsible husband" who values both family and duty to the nation.

Their warmth has been visible on the international stage as well.

During a visit to Australia, Xi was seen reaching back to help Peng step up onto the cabin of China’s Antarctic research vessel Xuelong.

In India in 2014, Peng invited Xi to join her on a swing during a state visit — a rare, candid glimpse of the couple sharing a lighthearted moment.

At various events, the two have also been spotted in coordinated outfits, subtly showcasing their togetherness.

Summing up his approach to both life and love, Xi once remarked: “Don’t cut off true love because of a great distance, never forget it in your busy daily life, don’t ignore it during ceaseless work."

For many in China and beyond, the couple’s relationship is seen not just as a personal story but as a reflection of partnership, resilience, and balance between personal life and public responsibility.

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