Surprising love story of China’s most powerful man

He is China’s most powerful man, however behind Xi Jinping’s tough exterior is a heartwarming story that would melt the iciest of hearts.

There’s a great love story between China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan. Picture: William West/AFP

He is China’s most powerful man, however behind Xi Jinping’s tough exterior is a heartwarming love story that would melt the iciest of hearts.

Xi married famous opera singer, folk singer and actress Peng Liyuan in 1987 and they had a daughter, Xi Mingze, in 1993. They have both expressed how it was love at first sight, and Peng has also been credited with softening Xi’s image.

Singer Peng Liyuan said it was love at first sight.

They met in 1986, when a 24-year-old Peng was set up by a friend to meet the then 33-year-old Xi, who at the time was divorced, and said how she fell in love upon hearing one question from him.

“How many singing types are there?” he had asked, which made her feel like he valued her talent.

She had also wanted to make sure he was not only interested in her for her appearance, so she wore loose pants.

Xi later said he had also fallen in love with Peng during their first date.

“I already recognised you as my future wife the first 40 minutes we met,” he said.

They fell in love instantly. Picture: Juan Mabromata/AFP

In another interview he told a host how important she was to him: “I call my wife at least once a day.”

And in a 1999 interview with a Hong Kong talk show, Peng definitely knew what kind of man she wanted.

He needs to be “successful, ambitious and bossy in relationship”, she said.

Peng herself is successful. Coming from a family of artists in Shandong province, she joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 1984, becoming dean of the PLA Academy of Arts and becoming a major general in the military in 2009.

Former US President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania Trump and China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan. Picture: Jim Watson/AFP

Most of all, she has helped her husband gain support from the Chinese people.

She has helped her husband gain support. Picture: AFP/Fabrice Coffrini

She performed for the army and at important ceremonies, also appearing on new year’s eve specials, attracting huge crowds.

The pair are photographed often together, and have been seen wearing matching outfits on various occasions.

Fashionable Peng has enjoyed stepping into the spotlight when Xi became the Chinese Communist Party’s leader in 2012, and was appointed China’s President the following year.

She would be spotted at various diplomatic events and international conferences, including charity events and United Nations speeches.