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In the news -

Towards the end of February 2024, the China Wildlife Conservation Association announced that it had finalized agreements to loan some giant pandas to the US and Spain.

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Two lucky zoos -

In this latest example of ‘panda diplomacy,’ the practice of sending pandas as diplomatic gifts, San Diego Zoo in the US and Madrid Zoo in Spain will each receive a new set of giant pandas.

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Old tradition -

This move, which is steeped in diplomatic tradition, may be an effort from China to help in its pursuit of so-called ‘soft power.’

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Current context -

According to history professor Susan Brownell, Chinese leaders understand that their growing economic and military strength is often viewed as a threat, especially by political leaders in the US.

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China's intentions -

Their use of panda diplomacy at this point suggests an attempt by the Chinese to create a more positive, friendly image of their country on the world stage.

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Recent recalls -

However, this most recent example of panda diplomacy follows a few panda recalls by China that took place not too long ago.

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The US -

In 2023, China recalled three giant pandas that were living at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and one that was living at Memphis Zoo in Tennessee.

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The UK -

In the same year, two pandas that had been living in Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland since 2011 were also recalled.

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Diplomatic context -

These recalls took place at a time where relations between China and the West were particularly turbulent.

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Expert insight -

According to one article by diplomacy professor Barbara K. Bodine, China and the US were navigating some particularly tricky security, humanitarian, and economic challenges at the time.

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Ancient tradition -

Perhaps the cutest element of Chinese diplomatic policy, panda diplomacy has a long history. In fact, it dates back to the Tang dynasty, which ruled from 618 to 907 CE.

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1972 -

Arguably the most famous example was in 1972, when former American president Richard Nixon made an historic journey to China that ended more than two decades of tension between the countries.

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Nixon's China visit -

Just two months after Nixon’s visit, a pair of 18-month-old pandas, Hsing-Hsin and Ling-Ling, arrived in the US as a gift.

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1941 -

In 1941, China sent two pandas to the US just before the country entered WWII. These two pandas were widely regarded as a thank you gift from China.

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Gift of thanks -

Indeed, a comment made by the First Lady of the Republic of China during the announcement ceremony confirmed as much.

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Gift of thanks -

She said the pandas were a way to thank "China's American friends for alleviating the suffering of our people and binding our wounds."

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Communist countries -

It is not only Western countries that have received pandas as a diplomatic gift from China. In the 1950s, Chairman Mao Zedong also sent them to the country’s communist allies, including North Korea and the Soviet Union.

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Malaysia - In more recent history, in 2014 Malaysia received two of China’s most beloved pandas shortly after the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 went missing.

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Malaysia - These pandas were largely seen as a peace offering; tensions had risen between the two countries because of the plane’s disappearance.

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Pandas on the way -

Putting the political and diplomatic context aside, it is now time for San Diego Zoo to prepare for its exciting new arrival.

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Old hand -

The zoo already has experience in housing pandas that arrive from China; its last panda residents returned to their home country in 2019 after 20 years at the zoo.

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Spring clean -

Now their habitat is being renovated and refreshed so that it is ready in time to welcome its new inhabitants.

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Fancy new lodgings -

According to Greg Vicino, vice president of wildlife care at the zoo, the original habitat will double in size. There will also be a completely new habitat and the two will connect.

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Great success -

The last time San Diego Zoo hosted pandas from China, it was a great success, both in terms of caring for the animals and nurturing relationships with Chinese colleagues.

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Other animal diplomacy -

While panda diplomacy is the most often-cited example of using animals to further diplomatic relations, there are also other examples out there.

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Australia -

Australia, for example, is one of the main countries to follow China’s lead when it comes to animal diplomacy.

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Koalas -

Ever since the G20 summit in Brisbane when pictures of former US President Barack Obama made headlines, Australia has been developing its own policy of ‘koala diplomacy.’

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Crocodiles -

Australia has also used other animals as diplomatic gifts. Prince George of Wales received a baby crocodile from the country, for example.

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Marsupials -

The Aussies also sent four marsupials to Singapore for six months to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore.

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In conclusion -

So there you have it, panda diplomacy. A cute and fun way to further diplomatic relations, while inspiring other countries to do just the same. 

Sources: (BBC) (DiploFoundation)

See also: Shocking facts about ancient China

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