No Melania on China tour as Trump begins high-stakes Beijing visit

US First Lady Melania Trump will not accompany US President Donald Trump on his upcoming visit to China, marking a departure from the high-profile role she played during the couple’s previous trip to Beijing in 2017.

Confirming the development to the South China Morning Post, the Office of the First Lady said Melania Trump would not be part of the delegation during the president’s three-day visit beginning Wednesday.

“First Lady Melania Trump is not travelling this time,” a spokesperson said in an emailed response to the publication.

Trump’s latest visit comes at a time of renewed focus on US-China relations amid ongoing tensions over trade, technology and regional security. Reports suggest discussions related to the US-Iran war and regional security are also expected to feature prominently during Trump’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Unlike the 2017 trip, which featured elaborate ceremonial events and cultural engagements, this visit is expected to focus more heavily on strategic and economic discussions between Washington and Beijing.

During Trump’s 2017 state visit to China, Melania Trump accompanied the president throughout a series of high-profile diplomatic and cultural events hosted by the Chinese leadership.

The then First Lady joined Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, for multiple public appearances, including a visit to Banchang Primary School and a Peking opera performance.

She also participated in activities showcasing Chinese culture, including calligraphy, cooking, astronomy and architecture sessions. During the visit, Melania Trump toured the Great Wall of China and visited a panda exhibit at the Beijing Zoo.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the First Lady’s absence from the upcoming visit.

Trump is expected to begin his China trip on Wednesday as global attention remains focused on the future trajectory of US-China ties.

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