Ivanka Trump joins Lunar New Year celebrations at Chinese embassy in Washington

World
Europe

Ivanka Trump paid a visit to the Chinese embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday night to celebrate the Chinese New Year with party attendees there.

Her move comes in stark contrast to her father, newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump who refrained from sending his greetings to people celebrating the Lunar New Year, in a break with tradition.

Ivanka made a surprise appearance at the event, holding hands with her 5-year-old daughter Arabella, who has been learning Chinese.

They were accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai.

Ivanka and her daughter Arabella join the celebrations for the Lunar New Year at the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC on February 1, 2017. /CGTN Photo

Asked about the first daughter, Cui indicated that Ivanka had delivered compliments about China.

At the beginning of the embassy reception, Ambassador Cui said, "Over these decades, we have learned that we should always respond to difficulties and challenges by cooperation, instead of conflict or confrontation."

Ivanka and Arabella were attracted by paper cutting and sugar sculptures in the Chinese traditional art exhibition and appreciated the traditional musical performance by Chinese musicians.

Ivanka at the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC on on February 1, 2017. /CGTN Photo‍

Throughout the tour at the embassy, Ivanka knelt down several times to talk with her daughter, who seemed to be enjoying her new present. "She is my translator," a smiling Ivanka told Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

Unlike her husband Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump does not have any official role in her father’s administration. However, her presence at the diplomatic event hints good will from the White House.

Click here to watch a video of Ivanka Trump's daughter Arabella Kushner singing a song she learned for Chinese New Year.

(With inputs from China Daily)

11156km