Michelle Obama visits China

With a game of table-tennis, a calligraphy lesson and a walk through Beijing's famous Forbidden City, first lady Michelle Obama kicked off a week of gentle diplomacy Friday, in the company of her Chinese counterpart, plus Obama's mother and two daughters. Focused on education and youth empowerment, and steering well clear of sensitive topics such as human rights, the three-city tour marks only the third time the U.S. first lady has made an overseas trip without President Obama since the family moved into the White House. Strong Chinese interest in her visit reflects not only China's fascination with America, but also the unusually high profile of Obama's host, Peng Liyuan, the stylish wife of China's Communist Party leader, and president, Xi Jinping. Unlike previous leaders' wives, who stayed mostly hidden, Peng, formerly a popular singer, has taken on a public role akin to that of her U.S. counterpart. Pictures of the Obama family's arrival dominated most front pages here Friday, pushing aside coverage of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight, which carried 153 Chinese passengers. Media have poured over trip details including the eye-watering $8,400 per night rate at the Presidential Suite in the 5-star Westin Hotel, close to the U.S. Embassy, which they are occupying.