First ladies enjoy learning experience

A student paints Mickey Mouse and panda figures in a calligraphy class during a visit by China's First Lady Peng Liyuan and US First Lady Melania Trump at Banchang Elementary School in Beijing on Thursday. GREG BAKER/REUTERS

The arrangement in such an important visit by the US first lady is a reflection of President Xi's emphasis on every child's "fair access to good education" in his report delivered to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which concluded on Oct 24, analysts said.

Peng and Trump observed various classes at the school, including English, Peking Opera and astronomy. They also joined the students in painting pictures of pandas and baking Chinese and US snacks.

The students presented their calligraphy, handicrafts and handmade models of ancient Chinese architecture to the two first ladies.

A girl gave a Chinese knot to Trump. The US first lady thanked her and said she will take it back to "decorate the White House".

Peng and Trump then watched a student performance including dancing, tai chi fan exercise and English and Chinese songs.

Peng said that the friendship between the two nations is deep-rooted and has a long history. The two first ladies agreed that children in China and the US should know more about each other and make friends.