Introduction

In 1993, a local TV station profiled a rising Chinese official at his home. But for a man with such great things ahead, Xi Jinping didn't stand out much. He wasn't even the most interesting person in his house. She was married to Pong Li Yuan, a singer famous across China for her patriotic hits. This was actually Xi's second marriage. His first wife, Curling Ling, was a diplomat's daughter. They split after three years.Xi was introduced to Pongli Yuan, his current wife, by a mutual friend. It was a humble affair, according to the official account. Make no mistake, though, this was a major union.