China Resumes 'Panda Diplomacy'; Washington Welcomes Two New Bears

peking - China has resumed its 'panda diplomacy' by sending two pandas to Washington, D.C. The pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, are expected to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries.

China has sent two pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, to Washington, D.C. as part of the 'panda diplomacy'. The pandas, three years old, a male and a female, arrived from Southwest China. During their journey, they were provided with cornbread, bamboo, and carrots, and had access to medical care, as reported by the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The preparations for the move began as early as September.

The National Zoo tried to build excitement for the arrival of the pandas with the message 'The pandas are coming' on its website. Fans eagerly awaited the bears, who were welcomed with cheers and banners. However, visitors will have to wait for about a month to see the pandas up close as they are currently in quarantine to acclimate to their new environment.

The anticipation surrounding the arrival of the panda pair was significant, as there had been no pandas in the National Zoo for months. Brandie Smith, the zoo's director, described these beloved black and white bears as icons in Washington D.C. and globally adored. Qing Bao, meaning 'green treasure', is considered a lazy bear, while Bao Li, translated as 'precious strength', is known for having a hearty appetite.

This marks the first time in 24 years that China has sent a pair of pandas to Washington. The previous pair returned to China last November along with their offspring. The departure of the pandas last year left many emotional farewells from the public, and there was uncertainty about whether they would be replaced, amid growing tensions between the US and China. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to send new pandas as 'friendly envoys'.

The two countries hope that the new pandas will help enhance diplomatic relations, with American media referring to it as 'a rare bright spot in the tense relations between the two rival superpowers'.

The pandas are on a ten-year loan, after which they will return to China. During this period, Washington is required to pay $1 million annually to support the pandas' conservation program. This payment is part of China's panda diplomacy initiative, with some countries finding it challenging to meet the financial obligations. Finland recently decided to return giant pandas due to high costs, while Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands assured that it could cover the fees with sufficient visitor numbers hosting the pandas Wu Wen and Xing Ya.

Experts view the pandas as part of China's 'soft power policy', with a history dating back to the Tang dynasty. China previously sent pandas to the US in 1972 following a visit by then-President Richard Nixon.