Known first as a folk singer and later as China’s first lady, Peng Liyuan has always been a mainland media darling.

Widely viewed as China’s most high-profile political spouse since Jiang Qing, the late wife of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, the 52-year-old is seen playing a crucial role in the Asian economic giant’s public diplomacy.

According to research by Renmin University of China, Peng’s “elegant manners” and participation in various charitable events could enhance China’s soft power and temper fears stemming from its economic ascent.

… “The attention was her own making. Most Chinese knew her even before she became the first lady. While she is less well known among the younger generation, people above 30 years old surely know her,” Dr. Li Mingjiang, associate professor at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), told CNBC by phone.