Latest News

China to send 2 young huge pandas to Washington later this year

China will send out 2 young huge pandas to Washington, the United States' National Zoo stated on Wednesday, months after the zoo returned three of the bears in the middle of heightened stress in between the 2 worldwide superpowers.

The announcement follows increased engagement in between Washington and Beijing that has put ties on a steadier footing because relations hit historical lows in 2015.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo said in a statement that it will invite the set of pandas, called Bao Li and Qing Bao, to Washington by the end of the year.

China's ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng, speaking with press at the zoo, motivated people to care for China-U.S. relations simply as you look after pandas.

For the wellbeing of both individuals and the future of the world, China and the United States should select to be partners, not competitors. Panda huggers ought to not be stigmatized. If there need to be any protectionism, then let us safeguard biodiversity, Xie stated.

Brandie Smith, director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Preservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), stated the institute was delighted about the extension of the breeding and preservation partnership, keeping in mind that a person of the bears is a. descendent of pandas previously in Washington.

This historic moment is evidence positive our collaboration. with Chinese colleagues has actually made an undeniable effect, Smith. stated.

Bao Li is a two-year-old male. His mom was born at. the institute in 2013 and his grandparents Tian and Mei Xiang. lived at NZCBI from 2000 to 2023. Qing Bao is a two-year-old. female born to Qing and mom Jia Mei.

Once they arrive, the pair of pandas will be quarantined for. 30 days and then have a couple of more weeks to settle into their brand-new. environment, the zoo stated. A public debut date has yet to be set.

The departure of the 3 pandas from the zoo last. November as loan arrangements lapsed left Georgia's Zoo Atlanta as. the only one in the U.S. with giant pandas, which loan offer. is set to expire later on this year. San Diego Zoo is likewise set to. welcome another 2 pandas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted that he was open to. sending out more of the envoys of friendship to the U.S. after. satisfying President Joe Biden in November in California, where the. two men consented to step up communication in spite of a magnifying. geopolitical rivalry.

Xi's remarks triggered the White House to state at the time. that the U.S. would absolutely welcome the bears.

China's communist federal government has long utilized panda diplomacy. to enhance the nation's soft power, lending the big however. cuddly-looking black-and-white bears to zoos in different. countries over the years as goodwill animal ambassadors.

Wednesday's statement is a clear signal of Beijing's. approval of stabilized ties with Washington. Xie told . after the event that the brand-new panda cooperation contract was a. great sign for U.S.-China relations.

Beijing provided 2 giant pandas as presents to the U.S. in. 1972 after President Richard Nixon's historic Cold War visit to. the nation.

Other pandas have actually considering that been loaned to the U.S. for research. and instructional functions, and the bears have perennially been a. top attraction at zoos, drawing countless adoring visitors.

(source: Reuters)