Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent remarks have raised new expectations for a resumption of panda diplomacy between China and the United States, only one week after three giant pandas said goodbye to Washington’s National Zoo.
Xi, addressing a gathering in San Francisco, expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with the United States on panda conservation, emphasizing the role of pandas as “envoys of friendship.”
A New Chapter in US-China Relations
This unexpected turn comes amid strained relations between the two nations over various geopolitical issues.
The recent departure of beloved giant pandas from U.S. zoos, including the National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo, has left Zoo Atlanta as the sole host of these charismatic creatures in the country.
The lease for the pandas in Georgia is set to expire next year, raising questions about the future of giant pandas in the United States.
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The US-China Pivot and Xi Jinping’s Olive Branch
President Xi’s comments signal a potential shift in the dynamics of U.S.-China relations. Describing pandas as symbols of friendship, Xi stated, “We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians.”
These remarks have been interpreted as a directive to Chinese conservation organizations to engage in negotiations with their American counterparts.
Dennis Wilder of Georgetown University’s Initiative for US-China Dialogue on Global Issues sees Xi’s comments as an order to move forward with negotiations.
He emphasizes that the timeline for the pandas’ return will depend on the outcome of these talks. Zongyuan Zoe Liu of the Council on Foreign Relations believes that halting panda diplomacy would be a negative signal for China, and she sees Xi’s engagement in the issue as an opportunity for working-level discussions.
Liu acknowledges practical reasons for the recent panda departures, citing the animals’ old age and concerns about potential mistreatment.
She suggests that sending pandas back could counter misinformation and pave the way for the return of panda cubs, as any cubs born abroad must be sent back to China by the age of three or four.
Regardless of the lending terms, the exchange of giant pandas has long been viewed as a symbol of amicable relations between China and its international partners.
Liu notes that Xi’s attention to the issue reflects a broader concern for China’s image in the West and its people-to-people relationships with the United States.
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