First lady Peng Liyuan’s English takes the spotlight in exchange with Melania Trump

Video of Chinese and US first ladies goes viral in China as education experts debate the importance of English for students

After Xi and Peng stepped off the plane, the two couples spoke with the help of interpreters.

But as they walked along the red carpet, Peng and Melania appeared to chat directly behind the two presidents. The pair smiled and spoke to each other until they reached the cameras for the start of the welcoming ceremony.

Peng appeared to ask about Barron Trump, Donald Trump’s youngest son and Melania’s only child, according to professional lip-reader Nicola Hickling who was quoted in a US tabloid. Peng then raised a hand towards her forehead in an apparent gesture about his height.