Premier's wife to bring a touch of soft power

When Premier Li Keqiang visits the United Kingdom and Greece this week, one of the most prominent members of his entourage will be his wife, Cheng Hong.

Her presence on the trip suggests China is already reaping handsome rewards from her early forays - and those of Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping - into soft diplomacy.

"Cheng's presence may help both to attract more media coverage and let the British people know more about change in China," said Alex Kirby, a former veteran BBC journalist, who has continued to be an avid China watcher since he retired.