While President Barack Obama is meeting with China's president in California this weekend, some Chinese are disappointed that first lady Michelle Obama will not be on the trip.
The first lady's office would only say she was staying in Washington to be with the family. Monday is younger daughter Sasha Obama's 12th birthday. Mrs Obama early on declared herself "mom in chief" and always has said her girls come first.
Friday and Saturday's meetings between Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping are their first since Xi was installed in March.
Disappointment over Mrs Obama's absence was palpable if not vehement in some Chinese mainstream and social media. Xi's wife is known for her style and poise, and many Chinese were interested in seeing how she compares with the US first lady.