Michelle Obama ‘Snubs’ China’s Peng Liyuan

In the world of international diplomacy, the relationship between leaders’ wives can be just as important as the relationship between the leaders themselves.

The first meeting between the Chinese and American First Ladies has been anticipated, in China at least, for more than a year now.

Even before Xi Jinping became China’s President, there was excited chatter in China about the prospect of his wife, Peng Liyuan, standing next to the glamorous Michelle Obama.

That moment should have come today. But in what is already being described as a supremely arrogant diplomatic snub, Mrs Obama has apparently pulled out.

She is not in California for the pivotal bilateral meeting between presidents’ Obama and Xi. choosing instead to attend her daughter’s 12th birthday party in Washington.

On Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter, the reaction ranges from disappointment to conspiracy-fuelled anger.

“Michelle’s decision is so unreasonable. It’s like going to somebody’s house to visit but the wife decides not to receive the guest,” said one user.

“Is it possible, like Putin’s family, that the first family in America has some marriage problems?” suggested another.

“Michelle’s absence is actually a good thing. It gives the opportunity to show that the US/China relationship is just a fantasy,” another wrote.

“China has put its warm face to America’s cold backside,” added one more.

To understand the fuss, a little background on the Chinese/US relationship is needed as well as an introduction to Peng Liyuan.

Ms Peng stands worlds apart from her predecessors. The wives of China’s previous presidents were unremarkable, drab shadows. Most Chinese would struggle to name them.

But the new First Lady is glamorous, charismatic and a star in her own right. She is a famous singer and, oddly, a general in the Chinese army.

Her CDs are available in music stores across China. She is a leader’s wife that China is genuinely proud of.

China’s relationship with the United States is at a critical moment. America is pivoting its attention towards Asia, countering China’s dominance there. China’s people and its government see that as a threat.

Add to that tensions over cyber-attacks by both counties on each other and there is lots for Mr Obama and Mr Xi to talk about and resolve.

Had Mrs Obama turned up to the party, the front-page photos, the gossip columns and even the editorials would have focused on the ladies; their dresses, their hand-bags and their body language.

The two women, whose power as first ladies is undeniable could have cultivated their own relationship.

Their husband’s diplomacy, successful or otherwise, would have featured rather lower on the news agenda.

Now though, the focus will be on an apparent snub, which has left a world leader’s wife awkwardly in the lurch.

The Americans insist that Mrs Obama pulled out weeks ago. Perhaps, but from China’s point of view this smacks of American arrogance.

It is certainly aloof and appears to be a golden opportunity to mend a relationship, missed.