Liu Yongqing

Liu Yongqing (Chinese: 刘永清; Pinyin: Liú Yǒngqīng) is the wife of Hu Jintao, the current president of the People’s Republic of China. Liu Yongqing has, as is the Chinese custom, retained her maiden name. Traditionally, Liu Yonqing’s role would be primarily domestic but this is fast changing as Chinese leaders travel abroad more. Liu often accompanies her husband on his official trips to foreign countries and has made personal appearances at charities and cultural institutions all over the world.

Biography

Liu Yonqing was born in 1940, two years before her husband to be. She and her husband met as classmates at one of China’s most prestigious academic centers, Tsinghua University, in Beijing. Later she went on to work for Beijing city planning committee.

As with her husband, Liu's life and background is somewhat of an enigma to Western analyzers. She received virtually no political attention before Hu Jintao’s Presidency. Hu himself has preferred to stay out of the public eye and has tended to avoid publicity during his political career.

Role

The wives of high ranking Chinese political leaders are encouraged to say little or nothing to the public as one wrong word can ruin their husband’s career in this highly competitive and complicated arena of political power plays. For this reason, China's First Lady plays more the gracious host than the independent political figure as is customary, for instance, in the United States.

Children

Hu Jintao and Liu Yongqing have two grown children - a son and a daughter. Both were educated at Tsinghua University. The "Wall Street Journal" reported several years ago that their daughter studied in the U.S. and lived there for a time. This report was never confirmed though.And their son is said to be a hospital manager.

References

* [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/23/1066631571798.html?from=storyrhs Well Traveled - But Not Very Well Known by Kirsty Needham.]